Ohio's Journey Towards Enhanced Student Attendance
Ohio is currently tackling a significant challenge: chronic absenteeism in schools. While recent data indicates a positive trend, the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network is making strides, reducing chronic absenteeism at an impressive rate—twice as fast as the state average. Chronic absenteeism is characterized by students missing more than 10% of their class time, which translates to 18 days.
Progress in Attendance Rates
During the recent academic year, the member districts of the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network reported a 2.9% decrease in chronic absenteeism, building on the 5.2% reduction achieved the previous year. Comparatively, the overall state chronic absenteeism rate stands at 25.6%, showing only marginal declines of 1.2% and 3.4% over the prior two academic years. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce updated these promising results, reflecting a commitment to halving chronic absenteeism over the next five years.
Outperforming State Averages
This achievement marks the second consecutive year that member districts of the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network have surpassed the state average in reducing absenteeism rates. Some districts have reported reductions as high as 10%, demonstrating the effectiveness of their initiatives.
The Role of Support and Community
Wes Hall, the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle, emphasizes the critical nature of attendance in student success. He credited Ohio's strong support and collaborative efforts with partners, highlighting how schools are progressing in retaining students and shaping future leaders.
About the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network
The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, managed by Battelle, was established in 2019 by the Cleveland Browns Foundation alongside the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Harvard’s Proving Ground. This network aims to tackle chronic absenteeism through innovative strategies and community engagement.
The Need for Continued Efforts
Despite the advancements, Renee Harvey, Vice President of the Cleveland Browns Foundation, underscores that there is more work to be done. The foundation’s commitment to education and community support fosters an environment where further improvements can continue to take shape.
Joining the Network for Better Outcomes
Ohio school districts interested in addressing chronic absenteeism can join the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network. The network offers various levels of incentives and commitments to support each district in its journey towards improving attendance.
A Closer Look at Battelle
Every day, Battelle leverages science and technology to address critical issues. With a presence in major technology centers and national laboratories globally, Battelle engages in research and development, product design, and essential services for both government and commercial clients. Established in Columbus, Ohio, since 1929, Battelle plays a crucial role in the national security, health sciences, and environmental sectors, contributing significantly to local education through its management of the Stay in the Game! Network.
The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network's Mission
Since its launch, the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network has been dedicated to collaborating and connecting with experts and supporters to enhance school attendance across Ohio. In the upcoming school year, the network will serve 149 districts and over 450,000 students by implementing localized, data-driven campaigns to raise awareness of the critical importance of school attendance as a foundation for academic success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network?
The Stay in the Game! Attendance Network is an initiative aimed at improving student attendance in Ohio through community support and engagement.
How much has chronic absenteeism decreased?
Member districts of the network have reported a 2.9% decrease in chronic absenteeism during the most recent academic year.
Which organization manages the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network?
The network is managed by Battelle, a leader in science and technology.
What support is available for Ohio school districts?
Schools can join the network to access various incentives and resources aimed at decreasing absenteeism rates.
How can parents and communities contribute?
Community support is essential; parents can engage with schools and promote the importance of consistent attendance among students.
