Beyond The Blog
The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio.
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Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast - Episode 8: Attendance Awareness: Why Every Day Counts
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In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn has an in-depth conversation with Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works. Together, they unpack the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism. How it has become such a widespread issue across the country and why it matters for children, families, and schools alike. Hedy also shares practical strategies, proven approaches, and valuable resources that parents, caregivers, and educational professionals can use to help students stay on track and thrive.
Timestamps
00:32 - Introduction
01:32 - Hedy explains what Attendance Works does
06:09 - Hedy talks about the free family-facing resources Attendance Works offers
06:46 - Hedy shares how COVID shifted parents' perspectives on sending their kids to school
O8:17 - Hedy discusses how to determine when to stay home from school
12:19 - Hedy shares the causes of chronic absence
17:37 - Hedy talks about the misconceptions of chronic absence
25:56 - Hedy discusses people's fears around school safety contributing to chronic absence
29:31 - Hedy shares the importance of "Help Banks" to get kids to school on time
33:37 - Hedy provides insights on how to communicate with families about attendance
35:59 - Big Picture Small Steps
36:13 - Hedy shares her long-term goals on attendance
38:15 - Hedy explains what it means to show up for R.E.A.L.
39:03 - Hedy provides more tips to help families reduce chronic absence
43:54 - Connecting with Kids
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