CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Assistant Superintendent of Schools spent Monday answering questions from lawmakers and clearing up any confusion regarding the recent Balanced Scorecard and recorded absences.
The report, released earlier this month, stated more than 38 percent of schools did not meet the standard when it comes to student attendance; sixteen percent of elementary school students are reported as chronically absent, as are 20% of middle school students and 24% of high school students.
Michele Blatt told members of the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability that attendance secretaries track why students are absent — including medical appointments and unexcused absents — but the federal government looks at chronic absenteeism as excused or unexcused.
“They’re looking at it as if they are not there, they’re not learning,” she explained.
Blatt noted the state does not count bus problems, alternative learning environments or suspensions.
Blatt said the department is trying to figure out what services to offer children to reduce absenteeism as well as what to do to keep students engaged.
Students are offered home visits after missing multiple days, but resources are limited.
“We have a great start on the solution with the $30.5 million that you put in for the student support services. Those are the things we are encouraging our counties to look at the individual school levels for what do they need,” Blatt said. “If there is an issue — if it’s attendance — we need the social worker or the counselor or somebody that that’s their job to make those home visits or set up those meetings with parents.”
The omnibus education bill, which Gov. Jim Justice signed over the summer, dedicating $30.5 million for additional support staff.
Blatt added hiring additional staff was only a start to addressing the larger issue.
“I hope to be able to stand in front of you next year and say that’s made an impact on our attendance across the state,” she said.