- Here’s a long piece from the Columbus Dispatch—there are other localized versions in other outlets across the state also—looking at chronic absenteeism in central Ohio districts this school year. Sounds like a mess in a number of places as the fallout of pandemic education disruptions continues unabated. I was struck, however, by Delaware City Schools, whose absenteeism rate this year is actually lower than it was before the pandemic, likely as a result of all that is being done daily to combat the issue. If a student misses the bus, students can text administrators who will actually coordinate a driver to pick them up…including the superintendent! Administrators knock on doors and figure out impediments to attendance in each home. They have even handed out alarm clocks and taught students to set them far across the room to prevent snoozing. “It’s not about placing blame or pointing fingers,” says the supe. “It’s about problem-solving together.” Additionally, Delaware’s remote learning model is also touted as a possible solution for kids whose personal situations make attending in-person problematic, although it is described only briefly. More of all of this, please. (Columbus Dispatch, 2/7/22)
- Meanwhile, here’s a district that knows very very well who’s coming, who’s going, and where. And thank goodness for everyone the numbers are up this year! (Yellow Springs News, 2/8/22)
- Editors at Vindy.com have some pointed words for Youngstown City Schools’
current CEOelected school board today. (Vindy.com, 2/8/22)
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