Everyone Graduates Center – PHENND https://phennd.org We are a network of over 25 colleges and universities that strengthens service learning in Philadelphia, connecting academics with community involvement. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:29:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 New Research Brief: Can School Districts Bounce Back from Large Pandemic-Era Chronic Absenteeism Increases? https://phennd.org/update/new-research-brief-can-school-districts-bounce-back-from-large-pandemic-era-chronic-absenteeism-increases/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:29:19 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=88258 New research from Jina Kim and Robert Balfanz, published this week by the Johns Hopkins University Everyone Graduates Center, The GRAD Partnership, and the Partnership for Student Success examines the extent to which school districts across the country that experienced significant increases in chronic absenteeism during the pandemic have been able to “bounce back” to near pre-pandemic levels of chronic absenteeism. Researchers examined districts nationwide that had at least a 10 percentage point increase in chronic absenteeism from pre- to post-pandemic and considered districts that were able to decrease their chronic absenteeism rate to within two percentage points of their pre-pandemic level by 2024-25 or 2023-24 to have “bounced back.” Notable findings include:

  • Bouncing back is possible. The research finds that districts of all sizes and locales have been able to bounce back to near pre-pandemic levels of chronic absenteeism   We also find, however, that
  • Bouncing back is not yet common. By the 2024-25 school year, only 11% of school districts that experienced significant post-pandemic chronic absenteeism increases had returned to chronic absenteeism levels close to pre-pandemic.
  • While bouncing back took place in many different kinds of districts, it was most common in small and rural districts. 20% of small and rural districts bounced back by 2024-25 (compared to 100% of all districts). The small and rural districts that bounced back were largely concentrated in particular states, suggesting that state actions may have played a role in districts’ ability to bounce back.

Current and forthcoming research indicates that chronic absenteeism can be significantly reduced when schools are able to employ multiple evidence-based strategies, tailored to the specific needs of their students and families. This is enabled by strong student success teams and drawing on additional people power from community organizations and local higher education institutions to serve as tutors, mentors, success coaches, postsecondary transition coaches, and wraparound/integrated student support providers. Learn more about implementing strong student success systems from The GRAD Partnership and evidence-based people-powered student supports from the Partnership for Student Success.

Read the research brief.

]]> Student Connectedness Project Virtual Showcase – Apr 29 https://phennd.org/update/student-connectedness-project-virtual-showcase-apr-29/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:12:11 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87840 You’re invited to celebrate an inspiring journey where students have taken the lead as learners, leaders, and designers of school connectedness with adults providing guidance and support along the way. Throughout this experience, students have explored how to ensure every young person is connected to caring adults, supportive peers, meaningful purpose, and welcoming spaces. Learn more about The Student Connectedness Project.

During the showcase, you’ll hear directly from students as they share their ideas, design processes, and the solutions they’ve developed to strengthen connections in their schools. It’s a great opportunity to see student voice in action and gather ideas for your own community. Featured organizations will share their efforts as a springboard for discussion and participant engagement.

Showcase Presentations
Health Leadership High School
Robert F. Kennedy Charter School
Explore Academy

Why It Matters
When students feel connected to adults, peers, purpose, and place, they are more engaged, supported, and successful. This showcase highlights what’s possible when students are empowered to lead that work.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating their creativity, insight, and impact.

Date and Time: Wednesday, April 29, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Register.

]]> Zoom Event: Organizing Adults: An Essential Element of School Redesign – Mar 26 https://phennd.org/update/zoom-event-organizing-adults-an-essential-element-of-school-redesign-mar-26/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:42:09 +0000 https://phennd.org/?post_type=update&p=87676 The fourth and final virtual Innovations in School Redesign seminar, sponsored by the Everyone Graduates Center in collaboration with the GRAD Partnership, features practitioners sharing groundbreaking work around a final essential driver of successful school redesign as identified by the Cross-State High School Redesign Consortium: organizing adults in the school community. This follows on prior seminars which highlighted keeping student perspectives at the center; building capacity in teaching and learning; and redesigning supports for multiple postsecondary pathways.

Join us as innovators from the following organizations share their work as a springboard for discussion and participant engagement:

  • Sendero Prep Charter School, Las Cruces, NM
  • Gwinnett County Schools, Gwinnett County, GA

Date and Time: March 26, 2026, 2:00 – 3:15 PM

Register.

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