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The Latest Research on Student Absenteeism – AcceliBEAT Weekly Round Up

May 12, 2017

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Schools throughout the country are working hard to address chronic absenteeism. This week, we share with you the latest research on what’s working. In other news, individuals with Down syndrome will be represented in a comic book series debuting this summer and we’re really excited about it. Finally, we’ve got tips on how to measure SEL skills, and as Teacher Appreciation Week comes to an end, we share common traits of life-changing teachers. All this and more in this week’s AcceliBEAT!


kids walking on school busStudent Absenteeism: Three New Studies to Know
For improving achievement, boosting student attendance seems like the lowest of the the low-hanging fruit: If you can’t get the kids to school, nothing else you do matters. But new research on chronic absenteeism reveals surprising details can make a difference in whether students make it to class.



comic

Star Of New Comic Book Has Down Syndrome
In a first, a new comic book debuting this summer will feature a superhero with an extra 21st chromosome. Comic book publisher Lion Forge said they will introduce a character named Jonah, a teenage boy with Down syndrome, in a new series called “Superb.”



Kid with measuring tape

We Know SEL Skills Are Important, So How the Heck Do We Measure Them?
Soft skills. SEL and MESH competencies. Habits of Heart and Mind. Whatever you call them, a growing body of research suggests these non-academic, social-emotional competencies deserve our attention. But as more and more schools recognize the importance of SEL curriculums—and with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) now allowing schools to choose a non-academic accountability measure—the question is being raised: Do we need to measure these competencies, and if so, how the heck do we do it?


Teacher sitting with studentParents and School Districts Often Clash over IEP Funding
Parents seeking special education services for their children often face anxious and costly fights with school districts about how much the district should offer for additional services..



Teacher and student at whiteboard

6 Traits of Life-Changing Teachers
What are the standout qualities that make some teachers life changers?




Mother with disabled sonMom Battles Raytown District for Not Allowing Her to Observe Autistic Son in Class
From the time her boy was diagnosed with severe autism at age 2, Kim Riley has striven to do what she thinks is best for her son who, now 18, can speak some words but is largely nonconversational. For Riley, doing her best has always meant occasional visits to Kendall’s elementary or middle school classes — sitting, watching and learning what he was capable of so that she might better help him at home.
 

student with disabilityFeds Urged To Improve Transition Services
Congress’ investigative arm is calling on federal officials to consider earlier transition planning and to take other steps to meet the needs of youth with autism entering adulthood.



School Bullying Is Down. Why Don’t Students Believe It?dove
Read this article if you’re having a rough day. This is a rare story about positive social change.





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