American Institutes for Research Launches AIR Attendance Lab to Help Districts Address Chronic Absenteeism

Institution will work with 10 districts, free of charge, to launch new initiative

Arlington, Va. - The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is launching a new initiative to help school districts use evidence-based strategies to increase school attendance. To kick off the AIR Attendance Lab, AIR will partner with up to 10 school districts-at no cost-to strategize and implement solutions to chronic absenteeism.

The percentage of students who have been chronically absent has nearly doubled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a challenge in every state and nearly every district in the nation.

"AIR has decades of experience studying chronic absenteeism and working with districts and states to test and implement solutions," said Susan Therriault, an AIR Institute Fellow who will help lead the Attendance Lab. "We look forward to collaborating with districts to customize their efforts to increase attendance and help students thrive."

AIR's team of technical assistance experts and researchers has worked with states and districts throughout the U.S. to develop strategies that address the specific needs of their communities. This requires a combination of support-including identifying evidence-based and developmentally appropriate interventions, setting up and monitoring data systems, ensuring continuous improvement efforts, and aligning policies.

To launch the AIR Attendance Lab, AIR will partner with up to 10 districts to develop customized strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism. At no cost to the district, AIR will work with leaders, educators, and community members to develop a workplan and provide targeted support that builds on existing strengths and meets the pressing needs of the district, in its local context. Examples of the type of support AIR will provide include:

• Identification of evidence-based strategies;
• Analysis and use of data to inform decisions;
• Training leaders and staff; and
• Developing and integrating systems to monitor progress.

Districts interested in participating should fill out this form or contact AIR by email.

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