Attend to Win Part 3: Barriers to Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is one of the most significant challenges impacting student achievement, engagement, and school culture today. When students miss school, they miss more than instruction—they miss connection, consistency, and critical opportunities to learn and grow.

In this episode of The Road to an Effective Classroom Environment, Dr. Lashawnte McCray-Sarvis examines the barriers contributing to chronic absenteeism as documented by Attendance Works. This conversation explores how factors such as health concerns, transportation issues, school climate, family responsibilities, and disengagement influence attendance patterns across K–12 settings.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the role educators and schools play in identifying barriers, strengthening relationships, and creating supportive environments that motivate students to attend consistently. Dr. McCray-Sarvis highlights the importance of proactive systems, collaboration, and data-informed practices in addressing absenteeism and supporting student success.

Designed for teachers, school leaders, and support staff, this episode emphasizes that improving attendance begins with understanding—and responding to—the real needs of students and families.

Because consistent presence is foundational to effective learning.

The environment we create determines the learning that takes place. Build it with purpose.