Using a Multi-Tiered System of Support to Address Chronic Absenteeism in Students with Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

Over the past decade, there have been many interventions to decrease chronic absenteeism in school-aged children; however, chronic absenteeism remains a significant problem. School nurses can use a multi-tiered system of support to address the chronic health conditions of students in school to improve school attendance. Forty percent of school-aged children have at least one chronic health condition, and school nurses can facilitate safe student attendance in school with necessary health-related support. School nurses are usually the only school personnel with the education and training to support students with health issues. School nurses should use data to help identify students with chronic health conditions, provide interventions to support these students, and subsequently improve attendance and academic performance.