Memphis Charter School Drastically Reduces Absenteeism

Kamie Cowan, principal of Compass Berclair, a K-8 charter school in Memphis, Tennessee, led an effort that reduced chronic absenteeism from over half of students in 2022 to just three students last year. Cowan formed an attendance team that regularly reviewed data and brainstormed solutions, starting in the 2022-23 school year.

The team implemented strategies like daily attendance calls to families, tiered intervention systems, and family meetings to address barriers to attendance such as transportation challenges. They also prioritized student awareness of their own attendance records and fostered a positive school culture with daily morning meetings.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools is also working to reduce chronic absenteeism, investing $4.4 million in attendance liaisons and launching community outreach programs. Chronic absenteeism is a key factor in a state law that could lead to an appointed board taking control of MSCS decisions.