Many schools find ways to solve absenteeism without suspensions

In Washington, North Thurston Public Schools increased the graduation rate of students experiencing homelessness from 65% to 84% by hiring student navigators. These staff members consistently support students experiencing homelessness and attend to needs like finding housing, applying for college, or anything else that might arise.

Oglethorpe County High School in Georgia increased their graduation rate to almost 95% by connecting students regularly with counselors starting freshman year to help them meet their goals.

The KNOSK secondary school is working to reduce the number of out-of-school youth in Nigeria by providing students with a quality education for a daily fee much lower than other school options. The school offers various payment plan options and gives the students uniforms, lunch, and sanitary products.

Community colleges in Colorado increased graduation rates by reforming remedial class programs, making sure students' food and housing needs are met, and improving academic advising.

Theodore Roosevelt Highschool in Des Moines, Iowa, transitioned from employing armed school resource officers to a restorative practices team to prevent and mediate violence with proactive support instead of immediate punishment.

In Lansing, Michigan, one high school gives students the option to take classes from 3 to 8 p.m., outside of the standard school day. This allows students to hold part-time jobs or internships, fulfill other responsibilities outside classes, and even get more sleep.

Incoming students are more likely to submit to hazing if they fear being ostracized. Link Crew is a national program that teaches upperclassman during the summer to connect with freshman throughout the year, changing the social culture of a school.

Fort Lewis is the only Colorado college tackling the student homelessness crisis with a rapid rehousing program. The school’s basic needs administrator works with students experiencing homelessness to get them in temporary housing within 24 hours and permanent housing with financial assistance as quickly as possible.

Reforms that improved learning at Denver schools included easier paperwork for school of choice applications, an increased number of charter schools, and the closing of schools with low test scores.

Detroit Public Schools is tackling chronic absenteeism by addressing the underlying reasons students are absent. Attendance agents work with families to address their needs and connect them to necessary resources like food, transportation, and school supplies.