September 19, 2024
If Jennifer Hwang’s son made it to his first grade classroom, it was rarely without a fight. He was having violent outbursts and refusing to go to school many mornings.
University of Southern California researchers recently found that students who are chronically absent from school are much more likely to struggle with mental health challenges.
What can schools do to get these students back in class?
Guests:
- Jennifer Hwang, parent, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Amie Rapaport, research scientist, University of Southern California
- Jessica Hull, executive director of communication and community engagement, Roseville City School District
- Zaia Vera, education consultant and former head of social emotional learning, Oakland Unified School District
- Betty Márquez Rosales, reporter, EdSource
- Mallika Seshadri, reporter, EdSource
Read more from EdSource:
- Helping students with mental health struggles may help them return to school
- Communication with parents is key to addressing chronic absenteeism, panel says
Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.