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]]>Choosing the right school attendance management system is a critical decision for district leaders and school administrators. The right platform can significantly improve how you monitor attendance, identify at-risk students, and intervene early to boost student success. But not all systems are built the same. If you’re evaluating student attendance tracking software for your district, here are the top 10 must-have features to look for:
A high-quality attendance system for school staff should provide real-time data through tools like SchoolStatus Attend, so educators can act quickly when students miss class or approach chronic absenteeism.
Your student attendance management software should use predictive analytics to flag students who need support, giving your team time to intervene and re-engage them. Learn how to spot at-risk students early.
Choose a platform that integrates effortlessly with your Student Information System (SIS). This ensures data accuracy and reduces manual effort across platforms.
Today’s educators need flexible tools. A mobile-responsive interface helps teachers and administrators track attendance and access student data anytime, anywhere.
Support your MTSS framework with a system that makes it easy to assign and monitor tiered interventions, ensuring no student slips through the cracks.
Family engagement is key to improving attendance. Platforms like SchoolStatus Connect offer built-in two-way communication to notify caregivers of absences and encourage dialogue. For more on engaging families, check out The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to a Consolidated School-Home Communications Solution.
Look for detailed reporting options to break down attendance trends by grade, subgroup, or school site. These insights can guide decisions at both school and district levels.
An intuitive design is essential. Your team should be able to use the software with minimal training, reducing barriers to adoption.
State and federal reporting can be complex. Your student attendance tracking software should make compliance easy, with automated reports and built-in policy alignment.
Protecting student data is non-negotiable. Make sure the system you choose is fully compliant with FERPA and follows industry best practices for data security.
Investing in a comprehensive school attendance management system is one of the most effective ways to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve academic outcomes. SchoolStatus Attend makes attendance tracking seamless, while SchoolStatus Connect ensures meaningful communication with families to drive re-engagement.
Looking to improve attendance and boost engagement? Schedule a personalized demo to see SchoolStatus in action, and download our free Buyer’s Guide to compare features and find the right solution for your district.
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]]>The post The District Leader’s Guide to Data-Driven Attendance Strategies appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Chronic absenteeism is rising across the country, and K–12 leaders are under increasing pressure to respond. Whether driven by state accountability changes, academic recovery efforts, or community expectations, improving attendance is a district’s top priority.
But there is a challenge. Many districts are trying to address attendance with fragmented data, siloed departments, and manual processes that stretch staff too thin. Despite good intentions, efforts often stall.
It does not have to be that way. With a more strategic, connected approach to data, district leaders can make measurable improvements without overwhelming their teams. This approach is outlined in our new resource, The District Leader’s Guide to Data-Driven Attendance Strategies.
One of the most common roadblocks to improving attendance is delayed or disconnected data. When district leaders do not have access to timely attendance information, it becomes difficult to identify trends or intervene early enough to make a difference.
The eBook outlines the core data points districts should monitor regularly, including:
More importantly, it emphasizes the need for real-time access to data that is centralized and actionable. Platforms like SchoolStatus Attend provide up-to-date visibility into attendance across every campus, helping leaders respond faster and plan more strategically.
For further reading on what data matters most, see EdWeek’s research on absenteeism trends post-pandemic.
Improving attendance should not fall entirely on the shoulders of school site staff. While teachers and counselors play a key role, district leaders must ensure the system they use enables collaboration across roles and departments.
The guide introduces a tiered attendance intervention model that helps align responsibilities across the district. This structure supports:
When district and school teams work from the same data and processes, they reduce duplicated efforts and increase the effectiveness of their outreach.
Access the framework in the full guide: The District Leader’s Guide to Data-Driven Attendance Strategies
Family communication is a cornerstone of any successful attendance strategy. However, when outreach is inconsistent, untargeted, or time-consuming, it fails to make an impact.
The eBook encourages districts to move beyond mass messages and toward targeted, two-way communication. This means:
Tools like SchoolStatus Connect make this possible by integrating communication directly with student data and intervention logs. Teachers and staff can reach families by text, email, or call, and view real-time engagement metrics.
Need more insight on this? Read our Engagement Trends in School-Family Communications Report to learn how communication frequency and format impact outcomes.
Districts do not need more disconnected tools. They need systems that scale and support long-term improvement without creating more manual work.
The guide includes best practices for building sustainable, scalable systems such as:
Districts featured in the guide have successfully reduced chronic absenteeism while saving staff time by adopting integrated platforms that consolidate data and communication in one place.
For a real-world example, read how Troup County Schools tackled absenteeism with systemic, relationship-centered strategies.
Addressing chronic absenteeism is not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all programs. It is about building smarter systems that connect the right data to the right people, at the right time.
The District Leader’s Guide to Data-Driven Attendance Strategies offers a blueprint for doing exactly that. It is written for district leaders who want to drive meaningful change without adding more to everyone’s plate.
Inside, you will find:
Equip your district with a more sustainable, data-driven approach to attendance.
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]]>The post What Makes a Great Attendance Tracking Tool? appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Attendance isn’t just a metric—it’s the foundation for learning, relationships, and long-term student success. But when districts rely on manual processes or outdated systems, they miss key opportunities to act early. That’s why more educators are replacing spreadsheets and disconnected systems with purpose-built, attendance tracking software for schools.
Whether you’re still using an attendance tracker in Excel or exploring a smarter attendance dashboard for teachers, here’s what sets effective solutions apart (and how the right platform can drive districtwide impact).
The best student attendance software doesn’t just track, it enables timely action. With real-time data, educators can quickly identify trends, uncover barriers, and support students before issues escalate. Real-time visibility is especially important in identifying chronic absenteeism early and coordinating quick interventions across departments.
See national chronic absenteeism data from the U.S. Department of Education.
With platforms like SchoolStatus Attend, educators can easily view daily absence patterns, compare historical attendance trends, and receive automated flagging for students who may need extra support. This makes every data point a trigger for positive action.
Great school attendance software fits seamlessly into the school day. Platforms should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and require little training—empowering educators to focus on students, not systems. If a system takes weeks to understand, it’s already lost its value.
Educators need tools that are easy to learn, with user-friendly dashboards, smart automation, and clean reporting. Systems like SchoolStatus prioritize accessibility and simplicity, ensuring school staff can confidently use the platform from day one.
A reliable attendance app for teachers should work across devices, from classroom desktops to mobile hall passes. With more learning happening in flexible spaces (think pullout groups, intervention rooms, or field-based programs) mobile-friendly attendance tracking is a must.
Mobile access also empowers staff to take attendance in real time, no matter the location. That means fewer missed entries, more accurate records, and easier interventions.
Your attendance system shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Look for solutions that integrate directly with your SIS, learning management system (LMS), and gradebooks. This keeps data consistent and reduces administrative overhead.
SchoolStatus connects to your core systems to ensure that attendance records, interventions, and communications are aligned across platforms. That integration helps your teams work smarter, not harder.
It’s not enough to notice a problem, schools need to act before patterns become chronic. A great system helps by triggering alerts for concerning trends: students who’ve missed three consecutive days, reached a specific absence threshold, or shifted from “on track” to “at risk.”
By connecting alerts with family engagement tools like SchoolStatus Connect, your teams can follow up quickly through phone, text, or email—in the caregiver’s preferred language.
Leadership teams need data that tells a story. Your student attendance software should offer customizable reports and visual dashboards that support school improvement planning, MTSS interventions, compliance reporting, and funding applications.
Whether you’re reporting to the board, preparing for audits, or guiding team decisions, access to the right information—in the right format—makes all the difference.
Districts are constantly evolving. Whether you’re expanding programming, adjusting to state requirements, or taking a more personalized approach to family engagement, your tools need to grow with you.
Look for platforms that support customization, multi-campus structures, and evolving workflows, without requiring a new rollout every time your needs change.
More than just tracking attendance, a great platform promotes awareness and accountability. With proactive communication and insight into root causes, schools can shift from reacting to absences to preventing them.
SchoolStatus Attend works in tandem with SchoolStatus Connect to streamline interventions, drive equitable systems, and build trust with families. When educators, families, and administrators all see the same data—and can act on it together—everyone is more invested in helping students show up and succeed.
At its core, attendance tracking is about building trust, identifying needs early, and keeping every student engaged. The right solution makes this easier, more efficient, and impactful.
With SchoolStatus, districts across the country are:
Ready to move from tracking attendance to transforming outcomes? Download our Attendance Buyer’s Guide or schedule a demo today.
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]]>The post SchoolStatus Forms & Flows: A Workflow Automation Solution for K-12 Districts appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Managing processes like student registration is anything but easy. It requires reams of paper, complex processes, and tons of back-and-forth between school staff and parents. There’s just so much to consider, like making sure parents fill out the right forms, following up with families who fail to complete required forms, ensuring staff members have all of the necessary forms before the first day of school, and a whole lot more.
To make managing forms and automating workflows a bit easier, we’re excited to add another innovative solution to the SchoolStatus family of products: SchoolStatus Forms & Flows (formerly Operoo), a workflow automation platform designed to streamline and simplify processes for K-12 schools and districts.
In this post, we’ll explain how SchoolStatus Forms & Flows can help your district operate more efficiently and save valuable time.
The heart of SchoolStatus Forms & Flows is digital forms. The platform allows you to make any paper-based form digital including things like field trip forms, student registration, staff forms, and medical cards.
With fully customizable digital forms, you can:
SchoolStatus Forms & Flows doesn’t stop at just helping you digitize paperwork. Instead, we digitize the whole process. Think about everything that happens after a form is submitted. We can help with all of it!
Here’s how a school field trip might look with the power of automation:
If your team spends hours completing all of the tasks that come after a form is submitted, automating the whole process with SchoolStatus Forms & Flows could give you all back tons of time.
SchoolStatus Forms & Flows allows families to complete forms on any device, in the language of their choice. But that’s just the beginning. The platform helps families submit the right forms, pay school fees and fines digitally, and protect their privacy.
SchoolStatus Forms & Flows helps families:
If you’re ready to start saving time, effort, and stress in your district, give SchoolStatus Forms & Flows a try. Reach out to our team for a demo of SchoolStatus Forms & Flows, and see for yourself what efficient digital workflows can do for your district.
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]]>The post Transforming Attendance: How Data-Driven Family Engagement Gets Results appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>“I thought we were going to have 115% attendance when we came back after the pandemic. And it was actually the opposite.”
This candid observation from Jessica Bull, Executive Director of Communication at Roseville City School District, captures what districts nationwide discovered as schools reopened: attendance challenges weren’t going away—they were intensifying.
The data confirms this reality. Chronic absenteeism rates still hover at 26% in the 2022-23 school year, nearly double pre-pandemic levels. This means one in four students is missing enough school to significantly impact their academic future.
Despite universal concern about this issue, our 2024 Educator Report uncovered a troubling disconnect: while 77% of educators consider school-home communication “critical” for improving outcomes, only 25% find it “very easy” to connect with families.
This gap between intention and implementation helps explain why attendance problems persist.
Our research with educators reveals a concerning pattern: most schools address attendance only after it becomes a problem.
In fact, just 37% of schools regularly communicate with families about the importance of attendance, while the majority—58%—reach out only after absences accumulate. This reactive approach misses crucial opportunities for prevention. Further complicating matters, educators often struggle to confirm whether their communications even reach families. Nearly half (43%) report uncertainty about message reception, and almost a third contend with language barriers that make meaningful engagement difficult.
Meanwhile, YouthTruth data shows only 42% of students feel connected to their school community, creating a perfect storm for attendance problems: when students don’t feel they belong, showing up becomes much less important to them.
Districts that have successfully reversed attendance trends share three common strategies:
Roseville City USD transformed their paper-based processes into a digital system providing immediate visibility into attendance patterns. “We had no way to quickly see who hasn’t been at school,” explained Attendance Supervisor Kim Peterson. “Now we can identify who those students are, who are the outliers, who are the groups that are right on that edge.”
Results: Chronic absenteeism dropped from 18% to 10% in two years.
Grand Prairie ISD eliminated their “time-consuming and cumbersome” manual processes by implementing automated but personalized communication systems.
Results: 32% “save rate” for students at risk of chronic absenteeism and 23% improvement in conference effectiveness.
Prince William County Public Schools addressed communication barriers with diverse families through automated translation features and multiple communication channels.
Results: 97% of teachers feel better equipped to meet student needs, and 75% of students who received one attendance letter showed immediate improvement.
A 2023 study found that schools with strong family engagement before the pandemic experienced significantly better outcomes after, including:
While the national chronic absence rate improved by just 8.54% from 2021-22 to 2022-23, districts using integrated data and communication platforms saw improvements of 22.23%.
Districts looking to improve attendance and family engagement should focus on:
These aren’t just theories—they’re practical approaches that real districts have used to turn around concerning attendance trends. Leaders considering technology to support attendance efforts could look to tools that solve actual day-to-day challenges, and systems that provide real-time visibility so no one is working with last month’s data. Consider whether the platform integrates communication capabilities
Lastly, pay attention to whether the solution can help identify emerging attendance issues before they become chronic problems, as early awareness is often the key to successful intervention.
Selecting the right technology helps districts improve attendance while saving time and resources. Key features to look for include:
The data is clear: improving attendance isn’t just about tracking absences—it’s about strengthening family connections and identifying challenges early. Districts that take a proactive, data-driven approach are seeing measurable improvements, from lower absenteeism rates to better academic outcomes.
Addressing attendance challenges doesn’t require starting from scratch. Proven strategies—real-time data, consistent outreach, and accessible communication—are already working in schools nationwide. The key is taking that first step.
To help your district move forward, we’ve developed several practical resources:
These tools can help you assess where you are today—and take meaningful action to improve student outcomes as soon as tomorrow.
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]]>The post Elevating Educator Support: SchoolStatus Boost Insights Gets a Powerful Update appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>At SchoolStatus, we believe in evolving alongside educators’ needs. Thanks to valuable feedback from education leaders like you, we’re excited to introduce significant improvements to the SchoolStatus Boost Insights Report—reimagined to streamline how you track and support educator growth.
The enhanced Insights Report brings you:
If you’re looking to:
The new Insights Report is designed to address these exact needs, putting powerful tracking and support tools at your fingertips.
Current SchoolStatus Boost users will see these updates automatically in their accounts starting March 7, 2025. Here’s what you can expect:
Have questions about the new Insights Report? We’re here to help:
We’re committed to supporting your educator development initiatives, and this update is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more enhancements designed to make your work easier and more impactful.
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]]>The post SchoolStatus Releases Playbook for Crisis-Ready Communications appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>In today’s unpredictable environment, school leaders face increasingly complex challenges requiring immediate, transparent responses—from weather emergencies and security incidents to medical events and policy changes affecting thousands of families. The crisis communications playbook addresses these challenges head-on with practical, implementable solutions.
“When minutes matter most, school leaders need more than good intentions—they need systems,” said Dr. Kara Stern, Director of Education at SchoolStatus. “As educators, our mission remains consistent: to ensure all students feel safe, supported, and able to focus on learning—regardless of external circumstances. This comprehensive framework for crisis communications enables schools to both inform and build trust with their communities during their most challenging moments.”
The crisis communications playbook delivers immediate value through:
Unlike generic crisis management guides, the SchoolStatus playbook specifically addresses the unique challenges of K-12 education. The playbook guides school leaders through building four essential elements of effective crisis communications: message preparation, decision protocols, distribution channels, and team roles. Each section includes practical worksheets, downloadable resources, and implementation guidance.
“Schools are experiencing more disruptions than ever before, and how they communicate during these moments directly impacts student outcomes,” Dr. Stern explained. “Both my personal experience as a Head of School and the recent conversations we’ve been having with partner districts at SchoolStatus reinforce that having clear protocols in place significantly reduces parent anxiety and helps maintain student attendance following critical incidents. When families receive clear, consistent information from trusted school leaders, they make better decisions for their children—including sending them back to school more quickly after disruptions.”
The playbook also includes specialized sections for supporting vulnerable student populations during emergencies and creating Family Success Plans that strengthen school-home connections before crises occur.
Download the Crisis-Ready Playbook or schedule a personalized demo to learn how SchoolStatus can help build family engagement and support school-home communications, during stormy weather, smooth sailing, and everything in between.
Media Contact:
Sydney Schultice, Zer0 to 5ive
0to5@schoolstatus.com
609-238-6663
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]]>The post Better Alignment with the MTSS Framework: A Strategic Guide appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>MTSS is a proactive, data-driven approach designed to ensure students receive the right aid at the right time. It integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports into a tiered system, allowing schools to intervene early and effectively.
The MTSS framework includes three tiers:
Tier 1: Universal interventions for all students, including high-quality instruction and positive classroom environments.
Tier 2: Targeted support for students who need more help, like small group instruction or check-ins.
Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with the greatest needs.
When schools align their processes with MTSS, they create a system where student growth, teacher development, and family involvement seamlessly work together.
When a district’s processes sync with the MTSS framework, everyone benefits:
Alignment isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about giving students the best chance to succeed.
Quick access to student data can be a game changer. The right school administration software consolidates academic performance, attendance, and intervention progress into one place. When teachers and administrators can easily track and visualize this information, they can act faster to support students.
Tip: Use dashboards that highlight key metrics to help teams identify students who may need additional attention before issues escalate.
Professional growth is most impactful when it’s practical and relevant. Regular coaching sessions, peer observations, and collaborative planning time help teachers refine their approaches and better assist their students.
Tip: Build a culture where teachers share what’s working and what isn’t to encourage continuous improvement.
Families want to be involved but need clear and consistent communication. Regular updates, family-friendly newsletters, and accessible communication platforms keep parents informed and strengthen the connection between home and school.
Tip: Provide resources in multiple languages to ensure all families can engage fully in their child’s education.
Family engagement goes beyond sending home progress reports. Hosting workshops, inviting families to school events, and involving them in decision-making creates a community where students feel supported from all sides.
Tip: Create a family advisory group to provide feedback and build stronger relationships between the school and the community.
Everyone in the school community should understand how students move between MTSS tiers. Clear protocols ensure that interventions are consistent and that no student slips through the cracks.
Tip: Use professional development time to review intervention processes and clarify roles and responsibilities.
Technology is more than a convenience; it’s a key to better alignment. School administration software can:
With the right tools, educators can spend less time sorting through spreadsheets and more time working with their students.
Aligning with the MTSS framework is about more than just processes. It’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, teachers feel empowered, and families feel connected. By using technology, investing in educator growth, and building strong family partnerships, schools can give every student the opportunity to thrive.
Ready to strengthen your MTSS alignment? See how SchoolStatus can help your district create a system that supports the whole student every step of the way.
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]]>The post Ace Your School-Home Communication appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Improve School-Home Communication for Better Student Outcomes
Why School-Home Communication Matters
Challenges in School-Home Communication
Tools and Technology to Enhance Communication
Measuring the Success of Your Communication
Success Stories from Real Schools
Taking Action to Improve Communication
Connecting schools with families has never been more important (or more challenging). Parents want to stay informed about their child’s progress, and educators need effective ways to engage families in meaningful ways. But between busy schedules, technology gaps, and language barriers, communication often falls short. The result? Missed messages, decreased engagement, and lower student attendance.
Why does this matter? Because when schools and families communicate effectively, everyone benefits. Students attend more regularly, perform better academically, and feel more supported. Parents become active partners in their child’s education, while teachers build stronger relationships with families.
This page explores practical ways to strengthen school-home communication, overcome common challenges, and boost student success. When you’re ready to dive deeper, with proven strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tools—there’s more to discover.
Improving communication with families isn’t just a “nice-to-have,” it’s essential for student success. By fostering stronger connections between schools and families, you can:
Want practical tools to help implement these changes? Our eBook covers step-by-step methods and tools to transform how your school connects with families. Download it here.
Even with the best intentions, schools often face obstacles such as:
Improving communication doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some key strategies:
A unified platform makes it easier for schools to send clear, consistent messages for families to stay informed.
Want results like Galena Park School District? Request a Demo to learn how SchoolStatus can help your district.
Explore detailed strategies, ready-to-use templates, and best practices in family engagement here.
It’s important to know if your communication efforts are working. Key metrics to monitor include:
When choosing the right solution for your school, prioritize:
See how SchoolStatus can work for your district by exploring real success stories.
Schools that focus on effective communication see remarkable improvements:
These are just a few examples. Our eBook is packed with more real-world success stories to inspire your school’s communication journey. Get inspired—download it today.
Effective communication is more than just sending messages—it’s about building meaningful relationships with families that directly impact student success. Schools that invest in clear, consistent communication see higher attendance, stronger parent engagement, and improved student outcomes. You’ve learned key strategies and practical tips throughout this guide, but this is just the beginning.
Are you ready to take your communication efforts to the next level?
The best way to drive real change is to dive deeper with our comprehensive resources:
Don’t wait to make a difference. Empower your educators, strengthen your community, and improve student outcomes today.
Download the eBook now and start transforming your communication strategies!
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]]>The post From Data to Action: Improving Attendance with Analytics appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Let’s explore how advanced analytics can transform attendance tracking, help address chronic absenteeism, and lead to improved student outcomes.
Chronic absenteeism refers to students missing 10% or more of the school year, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. This can equate to missing just two days per month, a small number with a big impact.
Why does it matter? Chronic absenteeism has been linked to lower academic performance, reduced graduation rates, and decreased likelihood of college and career success. Schools with high absenteeism rates often face additional challenges, including funding issues and lower overall achievement metrics.
To address this, educators and administrators must first understand the scope and impact of absenteeism in their own schools and communities. This requires gathering accurate data and engaging stakeholders at every level, from teachers to families. By creating a shared understanding of the issue, schools can begin to implement targeted interventions that have the potential to make a real difference.
Traditional methods of attendance tracking, such as manual roll calls or outdated spreadsheets, often lead to reactive rather than proactive responses. The reason for this is that these systems:
Without the right tools, schools struggle to connect attendance data to actionable strategies, leaving many students behind. For example, a teacher might notice a student’s declining attendance weeks or months after the problem began, when earlier intervention could have prevented further issues. Without a way to analyze attendance patterns, schools are often left guessing at the root causes of absenteeism.
Effective attendance tracking is about more than just compliance. It’s about understanding the story behind the numbers. Schools need tools that not only record data but also provide insights that guide decision-making. This is where advanced analytics come into play.
Advanced analytics goes beyond simply recording attendance. It enables schools to:
For example, a district using advanced analytics might discover that a specific student group consistently misses Mondays. By identifying this pattern, the school can investigate underlying causes and address them directly. Maybe it’s due to transportation issues, or perhaps families need additional support to prepare for the school week. Advanced analytics make it possible to uncover these stories and take meaningful action.
Another benefit of advanced analytics is the ability to measure the effectiveness of interventions. Schools can track attendance trends before and after implementing a new program or strategy, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement.
When schools leverage analytics, they can create tailored strategies to improve attendance and student success. Here’s how:
For example, Troup County School District improved attendance rates by 25% in just two years by combining data-driven insights with personalized family outreach programs. The district used analytics to create actionable plans that bring families and school leaders together to address attendance issues.
To effectively leverage analytics, schools and districts can follow these actionable steps:
To make these steps easier, download our Attendance Tracker Template. This template is provided to help educators and administrators manage attendance and track absenteeism in order to support family engagement and student achievement.
To effectively tackle chronic absenteeism, schools and districts need systems that make attendance tracking simple, actionable, and focused on real outcomes for students. Here are some key features and tools that can help:
These strategies are built to support educators in their daily efforts, empowering schools to better engage families, allocate resources, and ultimately improve attendance rates. By focusing on data-driven practices, schools can create more equitable learning environments and ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Chronic absenteeism doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. By using advanced analytics and a data-driven approach, schools can not only track attendance but also uncover actionable insights that lead to meaningful change.
Let’s work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Turn data into action with SchoolStatus and make a lasting impact on your district’s attendance and student outcomes.
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]]>The post Best Practices for Family Communication in K-12 Schools appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Family communication is the foundation of student success. When parents and guardians are informed and engaged, students are more likely to attend school, perform well academically, and feel supported both at home and in the classroom. Effective communication builds a partnership between educators and families, ensuring everyone is working toward the same goal: helping students thrive.
However, this is not always a simple task. Schools often struggle with:
As the NEA notes, communication starts with the basics: being clear, consistent, and proactive. Schools that address these common pitfalls can lay the groundwork for stronger family engagement.
Modern communication tools can bridge the gap between schools and families:
Effective communication isn’t just about sharing information. It’s about fostering dialogue. Create opportunities for parents to ask questions, provide feedback, and share their insights about their child’s needs. For example:
Keep a teacher communication log to track interactions with parents. This ensures follow-up and accountability, while also providing a reference point for future conversations.
The right tools can make all the difference in improving family communication. Here are some of the best options for K-12 schools:
Beyond regular communication, schools can implement strategies to deepen family involvement:
When schools prioritize strong communication, the results speak for themselves:
A quote from the NEA highlights this beautifully: “When communication improves, trust grows, and families become allies in the educational journey of their children.”
At SchoolStatus, we believe communication is more than just a tool. It’s a bridge that connects schools, families, and communities. Effective family communication isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about listening, adapting, and continually improving. By addressing common challenges, implementing best practices, and leveraging modern tools, schools can create meaningful partnerships with families that positively impact students’ lives.
Start small, focus on consistency, and remember that every interaction matters. Together, schools and families can work hand-in-hand to ensure every child has the support they need to succeed.
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]]>The post How to Choose Software That Aligns to Your District Goals appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>This guide provides actionable insights into what to consider when evaluating technology solutions, ensuring they align with your unique needs and deliver maximum value.
Technology is most impactful when it aligns with your district’s goals. Mismatched tools can lead to wasted resources, frustrated staff, and missed opportunities for student and family engagement. For example, using attendance tracking software that doesn’t integrate with your communication tools can create inefficiencies—teachers transferring data manually, parents receiving delayed updates, and administrators struggling to address chronic absenteeism in real time.
Research shows these gaps are common:
The right technology bridges these gaps, aligning your district’s operations and mission with the tools needed to succeed. Learn more about the importance of family engagement and how it impacts student outcomes.
When evaluating software, focus on these critical areas:
Start by assessing your existing tools and identifying gaps. How many systems do your staff juggle daily? Are they satisfied with the tools they currently use? Common challenges include:
Quick Win: Identify your most pressing challenge in these areas and the tool you currently use to address it.
Set clear, measurable objectives. For example:
Quick Win: Document your essential requirements, important capabilities, and desired features in a prioritization worksheet.
Include representatives from various roles:
Assess potential solutions based on:
Quick Win: Download the Vendor Assessment Guide for a step-by-step approach.
A phased approach can help ensure a smooth rollout. Begin with a pilot program to test the technology in select schools before scaling district-wide. Provide comprehensive training for staff and clear communication to families.
Quick Win: Map out your first 30 days of implementation with milestones and assigned responsibilities.
To justify your investment, track metrics such as:
Combine quantitative data with qualitative feedback to refine your approach. For example:
Quick Win: Track success metrics with this free dashboard template.
The right technology isn’t just about features—it’s about impact. Schools with well-aligned tech solutions see significant improvements in attendance, academic achievement, and family engagement. By following this framework, your district can confidently choose tools that empower educators, engage families, and, most importantly, support student success.
Ready to get started? Platforms like SchoolStatus offer unified solutions to improve attendance, enhance communication, and streamline district operations. Schedule a demo today to see how we can help your district meet its goals.
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]]>The post Student Academics and Attendance With Data-Driven Strategies appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>By leveraging real-time insights into attendance, behavior, and academic performance, schools can create targeted interventions that improve student outcomes. This blog explores why these data points matter and how to use them effectively to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Chronic absenteeism affects one in six students nationwide and is a leading indicator of academic struggles and eventual dropouts. Tracking attendance data provides a clear picture of which students are at risk, enabling schools to act early and reverse troubling trends.
Behavioral data paints a broader picture of classroom engagement and student well-being. It helps identify patterns of disruption or disengagement, offering educators the opportunity to address root causes like bullying, anxiety, or other challenges.
Grades alone don’t tell the full story. Academic data tracking allows schools to monitor progress on assignments, tests, and participation. This granular view helps educators personalize learning plans and provide real-time feedback that drives improvement.
Attendance tracking tools allow schools to identify patterns of absenteeism before they become chronic. Strategies include:
Behavioral data enables proactive measures to prevent issues from escalating:
Academic tracking tools help educators pinpoint areas where students need extra help:
Parents are critical allies in improving student outcomes, but keeping them informed can be challenging. Data-driven communication tools make it easier:
Adopting a comprehensive data-driven strategy requires planning:
By implementing a centralized data platform, Roseville City School District reduced absenteeism and improved student engagement scores in one academic year.
Using data to track attendance, behavior, and academics isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating actionable insights that lead to better outcomes for students. When schools adopt data-driven strategies, they empower teachers, administrators, and families to work together, ensuring every child can thrive.
Ready to bring data-driven solutions to your school? Schedule a Demo today to learn how our platform can revolutionize student outcomes.
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]]>The post Why Educators Trust SchoolStatus: G2 Winter 2025 Awards appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>“Better than any app I’ve used in 23 years of teaching. It’s a game-changer for communication.”
G2 awards go beyond accolades—they reflect feedback from real users who have seen the meaningful impact SchoolStatus has on attendance management, school communications, and family engagement. By prioritizing ease of use, actionable insights, and a design centered on educators and families, SchoolStatus provides measurable results for K-12 schools throughout the country.
G2’s Winter 2025 report highlights SchoolStatus’s ability to address key challenges in K-12 education with distinctions including:
“My staff says it is the one piece of software we have introduced that has been a game-changer!”
Teachers praise the platform’s ability to simplify and enhance interactions with families, saving time and building trust. By providing real-time data and user-friendly tools, SchoolStatus transforms daily challenges into opportunities for connection and success.
For district leaders, administrators, and educators, G2’s badges validate the real-world benefits of SchoolStatus:
SchoolStatus sets the standard for seamless communication and actionable data:
Over 200 million school-home interactions have been powered by SchoolStatus, helping districts foster stronger connections and achieve better outcomes for students.
“SchoolStatus is the gold standard in parent communication.”
Join the growing community of districts leveraging SchoolStatus to simplify educator workflows and improve student outcomes. Discover why G2 users rank SchoolStatus as a Winter 2025 Leader in K-12 solutions. Book a demo today and see how SchoolStatus can make a difference for your district.
“I love that I can send out an email or text and it’s automatically translated for me!”
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]]>The post Transforming K-12 Education: The Power of Data-Driven Insights appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Data-driven insights provide a clear picture of what’s working—and what isn’t—in your school or district. By analyzing trends, identifying gaps, and uncovering opportunities, administrators can make more strategic decisions that positively impact students, teachers, and families.
With data insights, schools can quickly pinpoint students who are falling behind academically or struggling with attendance. For example:
Traditional teacher evaluations often rely on subjective observations. By incorporating data into the process, schools can:
Example: Schools like IDEA Public Schools see improved alignment between teacher performance and district goals.
Data-driven tools simplify the complex work of managing a school or district by:
Choose tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Student Information Systems (SIS).
Ensure all stakeholders—teachers, administrators, and counselors—have access to the data they need. User-friendly dashboards make it easy to visualize trends and share insights.
Avoid overwhelming staff with raw data. Instead, prioritize actionable insights that translate directly into interventions, strategies, or improvements.
Protect student and teacher information by using software that complies with FERPA and other privacy regulations. This fosters trust and minimizes risk.
Data-driven insights have the power to transform K-12 education by providing schools with the clarity and direction they need to succeed. From improving student outcomes to refining teacher evaluations and optimizing administrative tasks, actionable data is the key to navigating challenges and achieving goals.
Ready to embrace the power of data in your school? Discover how SchoolStatus can provide the tools and insights you need to transform your district.
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]]>In the digital age, data privacy is no longer optional—especially in K-12 education. Schools handle sensitive information daily, from student records and attendance data to parent communications. Protecting this data is essential for safeguarding student safety, complying with regulations, and maintaining trust with families.
This blog delves into the critical aspects of data privacy in K-12 communication. We’ll explore key challenges, best practices, and actionable steps schools can take to ensure secure, compliant communication while fostering transparency and trust.
Schools are increasingly relying on digital platforms to manage communication, attendance tracking, and family engagement. However, with this reliance comes heightened risks: data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse of sensitive information.
In 2021, a ransomware attack on a U.S. school district compromised personal information for over 500,000 students, staff, and families, highlighting the critical need for secure systems.
Using a unified platform reduces the risks associated with managing multiple systems. Tools like SchoolStatus combine attendance tracking, family engagement, and messaging, minimizing data silos and enhancing security.
Ensure all tools and processes align with key regulations, including:
Pro Tip: Partner with vendors who provide built-in compliance features and regular audits.
Human error is a leading cause of breaches. Conduct regular training sessions to help educators and staff understand:
Limit data access to authorized personnel only, and use role-based permissions to ensure staff members see exclusively the data they need.
Encryption ensures that sensitive messages, such as progress updates or attendance notifications, remain secure during transmission.
As schools increasingly embrace digital communication tools, prioritizing data privacy is essential for protecting students, maintaining trust, and ensuring compliance. By adopting secure systems, training staff, and communicating transparently with families, K-12 institutions can navigate the complexities of data privacy with confidence.
Learn More: Discover how SchoolStatus simplifies K-12 communication while prioritizing data security and compliance.
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]]>The post SchoolStatus Named Top Family Engagement Solution in Excellence in Equity Awards appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>The top PreK-20 companies, products, and leaders with clear contributions to equity and access were identified across 29 unique award categories.
Ridgeland, Mississippi, December 17, 2024 — SchoolStatus, SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 EdTech, was recognized today as one of the top Family Engagement Solutions in the 2024 Excellence in Equity—Industry Impact Awards. This important recognition celebrates SchoolStatus’s innovative approach to advancing educational equity through meaningful family-school connections.
The Excellence in Equity Awards highlight organizations making significant contributions to educational equity and access across the PreK-20 spectrum. This year’s program recognized 44 outstanding companies, leaders, and products across 29 categories, showcasing the breadth and depth of innovation in educational equity.
“Congratulations to all the deserving winners of the Industry Impact Awards, and a heartfelt thank you for the work you do to support educators and students,” said Maia Appleby, Communications and Editorial Director for the American Consortium for Equity in Education. “It’s a joy to announce these winners, highlight their meaningful contributions to education, and it will be just as exciting to see what they do next.”
“At SchoolStatus, we believe that when schools and families come together, there’s no limit to what students can achieve,” said Russ Davis, CEO of SchoolStatus. “This recognition validates our mission of breaking down barriers and building relationships between school and home so that every student is known by name and by need. By making communication equitable and accessible, we’re not just connecting schools and homes—we’re bridging opportunity gaps.”
Nominees for the Industry Impact Awards were asked to provide information about their relevant work supporting equity and access, evidence of their impact, testimonials, and supporting materials. SchoolStatus’s family engagement platform stands out for its comprehensive approach to school-home communication, featuring:
The impact of SchoolStatus’s approach is evident in the company’s results. A 2024 report analyzing approximately one million students across more than 100 partner districts revealed significant improvements in chronic absenteeism, particularly among historically underserved populations. While national chronic absence rates improved by 8.54%, SchoolStatus partner districts saw notably better outcomes. For instance, chronic absenteeism rates for Hispanic students dropped by 16.68%—double the national improvement rate.
The 2024 Excellence in Equity Awards shine a spotlight on solutions that are making tangible improvements in educational access and outcomes. SchoolStatus’s recognition in the Family Engagement category underscores the critical role that effective school-home communication plays in advancing educational equity.
About the Excellence in Equity Awards
The annual Excellence in Equity Awards program recognizes the companies, nonprofits, leaders, and educators whose work contributes to the critical goal of ensuring access and equity for every learner. Learn more at www.ace-ed.org/awards.
About SchoolStatus
SchoolStatus is a unified K-12 family engagement platform that improves student outcomes through school communications, attendance, and educator growth solutions. Serving over 22 million students across all 50 states, SchoolStatus provides data-backed insights that break down barriers and build relationships between school and home. For more information, visit schoolstatus.com.
Media Contact:
Sydney Stressman
Zer0 to 5ive for SchoolStatus
sstressman@0to5.com
609.238.6663
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]]>The post SchoolStatus Named to 2025 GSV 150 List of Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning appeared first on SchoolStatus.
]]>Ridgeland, Mississippi, December 16, 2024 — SchoolStatus, a leader in K-12 attendance, communications, and data analytics, today announced they have been included in the 2025 GSV 150, a prestigious list recognizing the world’s most transformational private companies in digital learning and workforce skills.
SchoolStatus was chosen from over 2,500 venture capital and private equity-backed companies evaluated by GSV using their proprietary assessment methodology. The 2025 GSV 150 represents a dynamic group of companies collectively generating over $25 billion in annual revenue and reaching more than 3 billion learners globally.
“Being named to the GSV 150 validates our mission to transform education through meaningful family engagement and actionable data,” said Russ Davis, CEO of SchoolStatus. “As we continue to innovate and expand our platform, this recognition reinforces the impact we’re making in helping educators tackle chronic absenteeism, build stronger relationships with families, and improve student outcomes.”
The selection process analyzed key factors including revenue scale, revenue growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile. This year’s cohort notably features generative AI integration across many offerings, alongside a significant shift toward profitability.
Key highlights of the 2025 GSV 150 include:
SchoolStatus continues to expand its comprehensive family engagement platform that combines attendance management, parent communications, student data analytics, and educator growth to help educators drive student success through enhanced family engagement.
About GSV
Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. Our mission is that ALL people have equal access to the future, and we believe that scaled innovations in “PreK to Gray” learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit, hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India-based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit, now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures, GSV’s investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global “PreK to Gray” landscape.
About SchoolStatus
SchoolStatus is a unified K-12 platform that leverages family engagement to drive greater impact for students through school communications, attendance, and educator growth solutions. Serving over 22 million students across all 50 states, SchoolStatus provides data-backed insights that break down barriers and build relationships between school and home. For more information, visit schoolstatus.com.
Media Contact:
Sydney Stressman
Zer0 to 5ive for SchoolStatus
sstressman@0to5.com
609.238.6663
The post SchoolStatus Named to 2025 GSV 150 List of Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning appeared first on SchoolStatus.
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