Improving student attendance requires more than a single solution—it takes collaboration, strategy, and community support.
Recently, the Ingham ISD Instructional Services and Pupil Accounting teams brought together educators from across the service area to focus on one of education’s most pressing challenges: chronic absenteeism.
The session featured Dr. Jeremy Singer, author of Rethinking Chronic Absenteeism: Why Schools Can’t Do It Alone. Drawing from his work with Detroit Community Schools, Dr. Singer shared research and practical strategies designed to help schools better understand the causes of absenteeism and build systems that support consistent student engagement.
Throughout the session, educators explored how attendance challenges are often connected to a range of factors—including family circumstances, community conditions, and barriers that extend beyond the classroom. Dr. Singer emphasized that improving attendance requires a collaborative approach that engages schools, families, and community partners.
Following the presentation, participants worked in countywide groups to examine key areas of focus, including Attendance and Truancy Processes, Family and Community Engagement, and Tiered Attendance Support Systems.
These discussions allowed educators to share ideas, reflect on current practices, and identify strategies that can be implemented within their own districts.
By bringing together voices from across the region, the event created space for meaningful collaboration and collective problem-solving—strengthening the shared commitment to helping students stay engaged in school.
Because when students are present, they have greater opportunities to learn, connect, and succeed.
Recent Stories:
Heartwood School welcomed students and families back for an Open House filled with familiar faces, classroom visits, games and plenty of excitement for the year ahead.
Ingham ISD staff came together for Opening Day with a question: “What if?” As the district begins year two of its "Power of What If?" theme, the focus is shifting to student voice—and creating meaningful learning experiences by listening to the students at the center of the work.
