How to Fill Classroom Seats: Close the Achievement Gap
Jodie Shell • September 30, 2020

This article was originally published on  The Edvocate.

What is the most beneficial thing students can do every day to help improve their education? There are numerous things schools can do, including hire great teachers, create a better system, and get parents involved, to name a few. While these are certainly things that will aide students in their academic growth and development, there is one action that tops the list that students must do. What is it? Children must come to school— whether physical, virtual, or a homeschool— and be present for their lessons.

Over the years, researchers and educators have been looking increasingly towards chronic absences as a major contributor to low test scores and the achievement gap. It only makes sense; a child must be present each day in school to learn the lessons covered, and the more he is absent, the more he will fall behind. If he continues to fall behind, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to catch up, which could result in lower test scores, being held back from the next grade level, or possibly causing him to drop out of school altogether. Research is showing that this is exactly what is happening to children who start missing too much school early on in their education.

The  California School Boards Association (CSBA) explains , “Chronic absence, defined as missing 10 percent or more of school over the course of the school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, is a proven early warning sign for both academic failure and dropping out of school.” Research findings sited by the CSBA further detail the effects of low attendance on kindergarten students as they progress through the grade levels. “An analysis of chronically absent kindergarten students revealed a lower subsequent academic performance in grade 1 than their peers, with reading scores for Latino children the most affected. Among poor children who lack the resources to make up for time on task, chronic kindergarten absences translated into lower achievement in grade 5. By grade 6, chronic absence can be associated with dropping out of school. By grade 9, missing 20 percent of school can be a better predictor of dropout than grade 8 test scores.”

So what can you do to reduce chronic absenteeism in your classroom? While you cannot force a student to show up every day for school, there are plenty of things you can do to give them something to look forward to, as well as help them and their parents understand why it matters.

Look at the numbers.

Maybe the school’s overall attendance numbers are high, but is there a student who misses school every week or two, or even several days every month? Pay attention and look for patterns if a student is often absent. If you notice this happening, it’s time to talk with the student and his parents.

Communicate with students and parents.

Take an opportunity early in the school year, whether it’s at an open house, a parent-teacher conference, or even in a note you send home, to let everyone know how critical it is for students to be in class so they don’t fall behind. If you notice a student missing frequent days, speak with her and her parents again about the importance of coming to school, as well as your concern for her well-being and academic success. If there is an underlying reason for the absences, such as a lack of transportation, point them to available resources and get administrators involved to help. It may take extra time and work, but it could save a student from falling behind or dropping out.

Engage students in class.

Give students something to look forward to with fun, interactive lessons and materials. Help them make a real-world connection with the ideas of the lesson and how they might apply to their own lives. Allow children to move around, work together, and share ideas.

Connect with students.

Studies show that making a personal connection with a student can increase his performance in school. It may not be possible to make a connection with every student, especially in large classes, but pay close attention to struggling students and those who are frequently missing days. Make an effort to talk with them and listen to what they have to say. You may be able to find out why they are missing so much school and give them a new reason to look forward to coming in.

Attendance Works, a national and state initiative that promotes better policy and practice around school attendance, provides research and many great, free tools and tips for communicating the importance of school attendance. Visit their website at  http://www.attendanceworks.org/tools/  to learn more about how to spread the word, fill those seats, and close the achievement gap!

Navigating the Multi-Language-Learner Landscape: The Nuances of Being an Instructional Coach

By Jodie Shell • April 11, 2025
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development  To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.

What Is Language Acquisition? Stages and Theories

By Jodie Shell • April 7, 2025
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.

Unlock Potential with Data Driven Instruction

March 27, 2025
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .

Sparking Stars and Stamina: Boosting Initiation and Perseverance in Your Classroom

March 17, 2025
Welcome to the world of dynamic learning, where initiation and perseverance are the secret superhero skills every elementary school student needs! These executive function skills are the power-ups that help students start tasks with enthusiasm and stick with them until the very end. Let's dive into some creative ways to nurture these skills and make your classroom a hub of engaged learners! Why Initiation and Perseverance Matter: Cultivating initiation and perseverance in students is like giving them the keys to academic success. These skills not only help students tackle homework and projects but also prepare them for real-world challenges. By fostering these abilities, you're equipping your students with resilience and self-motivation that will serve them beyond the classroom. Strategies to Encourage Initiation: Start with a Bang : Kick off lessons with intriguing questions or exciting stories to capture students' curiosity. For example, "What if you woke up one day as a superhero? What would your first mission be?" Break It Down: Teach students to divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes starting less daunting and gives them a clear path forward. Choice Boards: Offer a variety of activities related to the lesson topic and let students pick their starting point. This autonomy boosts their interest and willingness to begin. Classroom Challenges: Set up light-hearted competitions where students can earn points or badges for starting tasks promptly. Who doesn’t love a little friendly rivalry? Building Perseverance: Praise the Process: Focus on effort and strategy rather than just results. Celebrate when students try different approaches and persist through difficulties. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set personal learning goals and track their progress. Seeing small wins adds up to big motivation! Reflection Time: Allow time for students to reflect on what they’ve learned from their challenges. This helps them understand that every hurdle is a learning opportunity. Perseverance Stories: Share stories of famous figures who overcame obstacles. Discuss how perseverance played a role in their success and relate it back to students' own experiences. Fun Activities to Reinforce These Skills: Initiation Stations: Create activity stations around the classroom that students can choose to start with. Each station could have a unique, fun challenge that aligns with the lesson. Perseverance Puzzles: Use puzzles or brain teasers that require patience and strategy. Working through these together can be a rewarding class exercise. Story Time Heroes: Have students write short stories featuring characters who overcome obstacles through perseverance. This can be a creative writing exercise that doubles as a life lesson. Empowering students with the skills of initiation and perseverance transforms your classroom into a vibrant learning environment. By implementing these strategies, you'll help your students become proactive, determined, and ready to tackle any challenge with a smile. Here’s to a classroom full of unstoppable learners! If you would love to learn how GrapeSEED can positively impact your students, just click here!
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