Hidden in (Virtual) Plain Sight: A Charter District’s Focus on Attendance During COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 placed a significant burden on urban students of color and their families. Changing environmental, community, and schooling factors influenced students’ ability and desire to attend school regularly. To ensure that students would attend school, district and school leaders were challenged with creating school environments and cultures that would promote attendance and overall safety. This case study of a charter school district in Texas highlights how organizational commitment by leaders and desire to get students to attend school during the pandemic, was pivotal as the school was transitioning during uncertain times. Interviews with district and school leaders revealed that supports, resources, and integration of technology helped to influence student attendance and helped to create plans for safely reopening.