Rowan County Board of Education Revamps School Calendar to Tackle Chronic Absenteeism
In a move to address the pressing issue of chronic absenteeism and meet the needs of both staff and families, the Rowan County Board of Education announced significant changes to the school calendar on February 20, 2024.
The decision to revamp the calendar was motivated by inputs from staff and families within the district. Staff members voiced the necessity for Professional Learning days to be integrated into the calendar, allowing teachers to undergo essential training during school hours rather than after school. Additionally, staff advocated for reduced Professional Learning hours and increased time for Instructional Work to effectively implement their newly acquired knowledge.
On the other hand, families emphasized the importance of extended breaks, specifically advocating for a full week off during the Thanksgiving holiday period. These recommendations were taken into careful consideration, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the concerns of the school community. In addition, a four-day weekend is placed in February to align with Super Bowl 2025.
Chronic absenteeism, described as a student missing 10% of school days within a year, presents a significant obstacle to student learning. The absence of students from classrooms widens educational disparities, causing students to lag behind their peers. To combat this issue, the school district introduced additional breaks in the calendar. These breaks are designed to encourage families to plan trips or appointments during these periods, ultimately leading to improved attendance rates on regular school days.
The district's proactive approach aims not only to benefit students but also to support parents and guardians who often struggle to synchronize family activities with the school calendar. By aligning the academic schedule more closely with the needs of families, the district aspires to enhance student engagement, mitigate chronic absenteeism, empower parents and guardians, increase classroom instructional hours, and strengthen family bonds.
Denine Sergent, the Director of Pupil Personnel, expressed concern over the alarming statistic of 43% of students experiencing chronic absenteeism during the 2022-2023 school year. "While we are not alone in facing this crisis, we must be innovative with the school calendar to promote regular attendance," Sergent declared, noting the disruptive effects of increased absenteeism on student attendance and educational consistency.
In conclusion, the revised Rowan County school calendar embodies a collective effort to combat chronic absenteeism and cultivate a harmonious balance between education and family life. By meeting the diverse needs of students, families, and staff, the district strives to establish a supportive and enriching learning environment for all stakeholders.