Molokai's Maunaloa Elementary sees attendance boost with islandwide attendance program

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Schools across Molokai recently implemented a ne'epapa effort to address absenteeism which has produced significant results. By prioritizing consistent messaging and community involvement, the entire island has made significant strides in improving student attendance. Administrators largely credit the reinstatement of the Moloka'i Attendance Program, or MAP, with its success.

The MAP is an islandwide early intervention program developed to support families in developing positive attendance habits in order to maximize student instruction, learning and achievement for all students K-­6th grade. It defined what actions schools would take when a student reaches a specific number of absences. For example, at four absences, parents receive a notification letter with an attendance summary.

At Maunaloa Elementary School on Molokai's western end, the school collectively identified the root causes of absences-some of the big reasons being HIDOE's COVID-19 restrictions and parents not understanding the importance of regular attendance. Staff would share information on attendance in newsletters and have consistent phone calls with parents. Additionally, school staff developed an attendance tracker and shared attendance information at events like Open House.

Maunaloa Elementary's absence rate dropped significantly to 6% in the last school year compared to 42% in the 2022-23 school year and 63% in the 2021-22 school year. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the school's faculty, staff, parents, and the entire community. Congratulations to Molokai for being a leader in attendance.