How Johnson Middle School Reduced Chronic Absenteeism Using EAB’s Research-Backed Approach

Johnson’s chronic absenteeism rate hit 21% and showed no sign of returning to pre-pandemic levels 

Johnson Middle School* had an established MTSS process and weekly meetings but still lacked the time needed to focus on improving their rising absenteeism rate. They wanted to involve parents in the process in a more systematic way and be sure their strategy was research-based.

School leaders participated in EAB’s Absenteeism Collaborative to help implement a research-backed system for improving attendance

The principal and assistant principal joined EAB’s workshop series on reducing chronic absenteeism. They brought research on strengthening the teacher-parent partnership back to their school. This helped them launch a process to support teacher outreach, including guidance around empathetic language in parent communications.

Johnson Middle School’s chronic absenteeism rate has declined by more than half since the start of the 2023-2024 school year

Johnson rolled out its absenteeism intervention program at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. This helped them cut the number of chronically absent students by half, exceeding their goal of having 90% of their students attending class at least 90% of the time.