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Educators

Supporting school avoidant students can be one of the most rewarding experiences an educator can have.

As you already know , all students benefit when they are encouraged to bring their whole and best selves to school.

Imagine the positive changes if schools focused on connection & belonging as much as they focused on achievement.

Making schools more inclusive and fostering a sense of community is the most important preventative measure for school avoidance.

Here are a few ideas and resources you can use in your classroom or school-wide.

Being a Champion - Step 3

Center Student Voices

Schools don’t necessarily operate in the best interest of their students

For example, if we considered student feedback,

  • Would school start at 8am?
  • Would we be teaching to the test (standardized tests)?
  • Would we have class sizes over 30?
  • Would they have 2-3 hours of HW a night?

These decisions are made for practicality and budget, not student well-being.

In what other ways would our schools change if we considered student feedback?

Give yourself permission to think outside the box!

Start with a self assessment of how well you provide opportunities for student feedback and build in chances for your students to be heard.

Build a Small Group of Advocates

Student leadership teams are instrumental in changing the climate and culture of a school.

  • A small group of student advocates focused on inclusion can have tremendous impact.
  • Partnering with students to implement & analyze data from a school climate survey is a powerful way to implement systemic change.
  • Be intentional about the students you invite to join your leadership teams.
  • Expand your search beyond the compliant, straight A/B students and seek out different perspectives.

For example, ask a student who has experienced the school’s discipline policy to serve on a leadership committee to discuss alternative discipline practices.

Ask a former school avoidant student to serve on a leadership committee to discuss mental wellness or school belongingness.

Different perspectives lead to better solutions. Not to mention, you could change the trajectory of a student’s life by believing in them and trusting them with an opportunity to lead.

School Climate Survey

How much do you know about the shared perceptions and experiences of students within your school?

  • Consider implementing a yearly climate survey to assess student perceptions and identify areas for improvement.
  • Partner with students from varying perspectives to analyze the data and make recommendations for systemic change.

School-wide SEL

A school-wide approach to social-emotional learning results in better social and academic outcomes for students.

It’s overwhelming to choose from the many programs out there; start with a school-wide climate survey to assess the strengths and needs of your school and seek out a program to fit the needs of your community.

Culturally Responsive Teaching

There is no manual or program to hand you for Culturally Responsive Teaching. It’s co-created with your students and it’s based on your values and beliefs as an educator.

Together, with your students, you create a safe space where students feel heard, respected and challenged.

Get Help Today with
Exclusive Access to Leading
School Avoidance Experts

Unfortunately only a small percentage of school professionals, therapists, educational advocates and policy makers understand school avoidance best practices. So, you must become the expert to ensure your child is getting:

  • Appropriate mental health treatment
  • School assistance without punitive responses (truancy, failing, grade retention)
  • Educated regardless of their school avoidance
  • A 504 plan or IEP if needed (many school avoidant kids qualify)

The time passing slowly without progress is the worst feeling. It wouldn’t have taken five years of suffering and uncertainty if I had this expert guidance during my son’s school avoidance. We would have saved $29,000 in lawyer fees and $69,000 for private schools.

Providing Information School Avoidance Families Need To Know

This Guide explains; 504 Plans, IEPs, Attendance Policies & More

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