Quick look: OCDE contributed resources to the new California Attendance Guide, unveiled at a statewide news conference led by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. The guide highlights strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, supporting the state’s goal of cutting rates by 50 percent over five years.
OCDE was represented at a statewide news conference last week as State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced new guidance to help schools build on California’s progress in reducing chronic absenteeism.
The Aug. 19 event in Rancho Cordova marked the release of the California Attendance Guide, an online resource developed in partnership with Attendance Works and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. The guide compiles strategies schools and districts can use to keep students engaged and in class — and it features content created by OCDE’s Educational Services division.
Dr. Jami Parsons, executive director in OCDE’s Student Services and Programs division, collaborated with colleagues across divisions to develop resources grounded in the California Multi-Tiered System of Support, or CA MTSS. These included a Continuum of Support template and a “Connecting the Dots” resource guide, both highlighted in the state document as examples of evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies.
Parsons, who is the state project lead for CA MTSS, was invited to contribute to the project by Cecelia Leong, vice president of programs at Attendance Works.
“I was honored to represent OCDE and CA MTSS at this press conference,” Parsons said. “This work matters because strong attendance is the foundation for student success. I’m grateful our team had the opportunity to help shape resources that will support schools statewide.”
California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support helps schools align academic, behavioral, social-emotional and mental health initiatives to meet the needs of all students. Built on three tiers — universal, targeted and intensive — the framework enables educators to strengthen outcomes across the board, including attendance.
As part of the announcement, Superintendent Thurmond reaffirmed California’s goal to cut chronic absenteeism in half over the next five years.
The new guidance is available on the California Department of Education’s Attendance Guide web page.