SchoolHouse Connection and Attendance Works interviewed school district leaders across the country to find promising approaches for reducing chronic absenteeism among this population. Supported by the Imagine Learning Foundation, this collaborative research-backed project uncovered best practices from school districts nationwide that have improved attendance for students experiencing homelessness, led to identifying key takeaways and strategies, and culminated in this two-part webinar series sharing these findings with a national audience.

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The two-part webinar series was hosted on March 13 & 18, 2025

Presenters in both sessions included:

• Barbara Duffield – Executive Director, SchoolHouse Connection
• Hedy Chang – Executive Director, Attendance Works
• Jessica Smith, LMSW – McKinney-Vento Coordinator, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
• Lisa Ann H. Abernathey – CCTP-TRE Education Specialist – McKinney-Vento, Henrico County Public Schools
• Lisle Reed – Whole Child Initiatives Coordinator Student Engagement Initiatives, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
• Lori L. Bailey – Student Engagement Initiatives, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
• Jonathan Spreng – Director of Student Services and Family Supports, Coalinga Huron Unified School District 

Part One: March 13, 2025

Part one of this two-part series focuses on boosting school attendance among students experiencing homelessness. This session brings together district representatives, program managers, and education leaders to share actionable strategies and real-world insights.

Key Topics Covered:

• Data-driven approaches to identify and support at-risk students
• Building strong relationships to foster trust and engagement
• Leveraging community resources for holistic support
• Innovative strategies to combat chronic absenteeism

Panelists highlight the power of authentic connections, targeted professional development, and celebrating progress—no matter how small. The session concludes with a call for greater collaboration, policy advocacy, and ongoing innovation to create lasting change.

Watch the Replay

Download the Powerpoint

Part Two: March 18, 2025

This must-watch second session of this webinar series dives deeper into proven strategies to enhance student identification, improve data-driven interventions, and foster community partnerships that support students experiencing homelessness. Replay the webinar to learn how to more effectively break down silos, secure funding, and implement attendance initiatives that make a difference.

Key takeaways include:

• Innovative transportation solutions for homeless students
• Professional development strategies for educators
• Actionable tools, including an action planning template
• Community engagement approaches to reduce chronic absenteeism

Watch the Replay

Download the Powerpoint