Attendance Matters: Building a Strong Foundation for Student Success
The school year is officially underway, and our Communities In Schools of the Heart of Texas (CISHOT) site coordinators have been hard at work partnering with campus administrators, reconnecting with students, and preparing for a successful year ahead.
At CISHOT, we focus on three key areas of student success: academics, behavior, and attendance. While all three are important, attendance is the foundation that makes the other two possible.
Why Attendance Matters for Schools
Did you know that Texas is one of only a handful of states that bases much of its public school funding on Average Daily Attendance (ADA) rather than enrollment? Attendance directly impacts a district's ability to provide quality learning experiences without placing additional financial pressure on local communities. [tea.texas.gov], [texas.public.law] Every day a student attends school contributes not only to their own success but also to the resources available for all students on campus.
Why Attendance Matters for Students
CISHOT takes a holistic approach to student support. We recognize that every student has unique needs, and we work alongside them to remove barriers that may stand in the way of success. However, attendance is always the first step.
A student must be present before academic interventions can occur. A student must be in class before behavior supports can be effective. Most importantly, students who attend school consistently have greater opportunities to learn, build relationships, develop skills, and stay connected to their school community.
Simply put: students benefit most when they are in the classroom.
Understanding the Texas 90% Attendance Rule
Texas law requires students in kindergarten through 12th grade to attend at least 90% of the days a class is offered in order to receive credit or a final grade for that class. [wacoisd.org], [texas.public.law]
For many students, that threshold can be reached more quickly than expected. Missing just two days per month can put a student at risk of falling below the 90% attendance requirement over the course of the school year. [navigateli...etexas.org]
While schools can work with families facing extenuating circumstances, consistent attendance remains one of the most important factors in academic success.
How You Can Help
Attendance is more than showing up. It is the first step to a much wider net of opportunities. When we ensure that children are physically present in school, we open the door to academic achievement, social connections, supportive relationships, and access to the resources they need to thrive.
September is National Attendance Awareness Month, and we invite our community to help us spread the message that attendance matters.
You can support this effort by:
Following and sharing CISHOT social media content throughout Attendance Awareness Month.
Changing your profile picture to an Attendance Awareness Month graphic.
Donating alarm clocks and other practical resources that help students establish healthy school routines.
Together, we can help students build a strong foundation for success.
Being present matters. Every day counts.