Menu
Log in


Log in

Got Attendance Issues? Leveraging School Counselors to Improve Attendance Rates

  • 03 Feb 2026
  • 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  • 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin MA

Got Attendance Issues? Leveraging School Counselors to   Improve Attendance Rates

Tuesday, February 3, 8:30-11:30, @MSAA, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin. Presented by Bob Bardwell, Executive Director, MASCA.  $30 for school counselors and includes breakfast

School districts across the country are struggling with the increased number of students who are labeled as chronically absent, meaning they miss more than 10% (typically 18+ days) of the school year. The growing number of students is primarily caused by the pandemic but also is because of more and more mental health challenges faced by our students today. This session will focus on how school counselors, along with school administrators, can move the needle to improve attendance rates. Participants will learn about the root causes of chronic absenteeism and hear about specific strategies that schools can implement to assist chronically absent students get to school, such as warning systems, family engagement tactics, and community partnerships. We will also share best practices and resources, and everyone will leave the session with an action plan to implement upon return to their schools/communities

Workshop Goals/Objectives:

  • Define chronic absenteeism and its effects on student achievement and
    well-being
  • Examine the root causes, including the pandemic's impact and rising mental health challenges
  • Identify evidence-based strategies that effectively improve student attendance
  • Discuss collaboration between school counselors and administrators to reduce absenteeism
  • Learn how to build relationships and create school environments that support consistent attendance
  • Discover strategies to support students struggling with attendance due to mental health and other barriers
  • Create a tailored action plan to address chronic absenteeism in participants’ schools and districts

Registration questions: Contact Victoria Ellison, vellison@msaa.net.

Register here


Massachusetts School Counselors Association, Inc.  
All Right Reserved.

MASCA deeply values its diverse membership and is fully committed to creating an organization where each individual is welcomed, included, respected and empowered.  No person will be excluded from MASCA on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason. These activities include, but are not limited to, appointment of its Governing Board, hiring or firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and the providing of services.  This policy is fundamental to the effective functioning of MASCA as an organization that supports counselors and promotes equity in our schools, districts and the Commonwealth.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software