The Attendance USA Connection

The Attendance USA Connection

by Sharon Bradley and Shelneka Marsalone
How ToEducation for Kids
Season 1
Attendance USA Connection Live from Research to Practice Summit with Principal Rahh
Reimagining Education and Student Engagement: Insights from Principal Rahh and Knowlej This episode takes you inside the 2026 Research to Practice Summit hosted at LSU, featuring Principal Rahh, founder of Knowlej, and innovative approaches to increasing student attendance through incentives and culturally responsive strategies. Discover how schools are pioneering new systems to engage students, families, and communities in meaningful ways. In this episode: The role of incentives in re-engaging students and staff How Alpha Schools utilize behavior motivation tools effectively Policy debates around paying students for attendance The importance of building trust and restorative practices in schools Strategies to combat the "new absenteeism" quadrants How long-term rewards like tuition incentives motivate sustained engagement The impact of AI, economic shifts, and future workforce skills Foundations for creating inclusive, culturally responsive educational environments Success stories from DC Public Schools and LAUSD reducing absenteeism The importance of proactive prevention over reaction in addressing attendance issues Connect with Principal Rahh: LinkedIn Note: Emphasizing proactive, culturally responsive strategies combined with financial incentives to build trust and improve attendance is essential for future-ready education systems.
S1 · E6
Jun 10, 2026
33:09
The Hidden Link Between Chronic Absenteeism and Long-Term Life Outcomes with Dr. Judith Rhodes
In this episode, we dive into innovative strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism and fostering student engagement. Featuring Dr. Judith Rhodes, an esteemed researcher and leader in educational assessment, the conversation explores how partnerships between universities and K-12 schools can transform attendance and achievement.
S1 · E5
May 13, 2026
37:34
The Power of Relationships with Salvatore Birardi
In this episode, we explore the critical importance of attendance in schools, strategies for increasing student engagement, and the impactful role of community and family support. Our guest, Sal Birardi, shares his experiences from his 22 years in education and his work supporting over 25,000 students in New York City, emphasizing that attendance is a collective responsibility. Resources Attendance USA - https://attendanceusa.org New York City Public Schools - https://www.schools.nyc.gov Success Mentors Program - https://attendanceusa.org/success-mentors Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) - https://taschool.org
S1 · E4
Apr 8, 2026
32:22
School Avoidance with Jayne Demsky
In this episode, we explore the complex issue of school avoidance, its psychosocial roots, and effective strategies for families, educators, and communities to work together to support students. We dive into research findings, real-life success stories, and resources that can help turn things around for children struggling with attendance. About Our Guest: Jayne Demsky Jayne Demsky is a passionate advocate for students facing school avoidance challenges. As the founder of the School Avoidance Alliance, she has dedicated her career to supporting families and educators in understanding and addressing the complexities of school avoidance. With a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise, Jayne provides invaluable insights and practical strategies to help students re-engage with their education. Key Topics: Understanding the difference between barriers and avoidance in student absenteeism The importance of school culture and creating safe, supportive environments The role of family advocacy and community engagement in tackling school avoidance Legal considerations: 504 plans and IEPs for students with mental health challenges Practical interventions: building relationships, modifying schedules, and peer support The impact of trained frontline staff and educator awareness on student success How the School Avoidance Alliance supports families and schools with targeted courses and community Success stories of families overcoming avoidance through collaborative efforts Upcoming Attendance USA Research to Practice Summit for research-driven strategies Resources & Links: https://nprinc.com/chronic-absenteeism-strategies-for-addressing-school-refusal-and-avoidance/ https://a.co/d/059FwCWO Attendance USA Connect with Jayne Demsky: Website: schoolavoidance.org Join us for the upcoming Research to Practice Summit: Date: June 5-7, 2026 Location: Louisiana State University Email: shelneka@attendanceusa.org
S1 · E3
Mar 11, 2026
37:18
Stronger Together: Community and School Partnerships that Work with Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto
In this episode, we dive deep into innovative strategies for increasing student attendance, addressing systemic barriers, and building strong community partnerships. Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto shares his inspiring journey from childhood challenges to leading impactful community work in Arizona, emphasizing empathetic accountability and collaborative solutions.
S1 · E2
Feb 4, 2026
33:30
Family Engagement and Stability with Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty
In this episode of the Attendance USA Connection podcast, hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley welcome Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a leading researcher in school attendance and family stability. The conversation explores the importance of parent engagement in increasing school attendance, the impact of family stability on student success, and practical strategies for schools to better engage parents. Dr. Gentle-Genitty shares her origin story and research focus, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing absenteeism. The episode concludes with actionable insights for educators and parents to work together in supporting students' attendance and overall well-being. Resources: Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) Instrument: Structural and Concurrent Validity | Contemporary School Psychology https://share.google/QVNZ0uCTJYc4z11M0
S1 · E1
Jan 7, 2026
37:38
Introducing: Attendance USA Connection
The AttendanceUSA Connection podcast aims to address the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools by connecting research, practice, and resources. Hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley discuss the importance of building partnerships, understanding psychosocial needs, and creating supportive systems to engage students and families effectively. They share their professional journeys, the inception of Attendance USA, and their vision for future conversations that will empower educators and communities to tackle absenteeism collaboratively. Attendance USA Resource Guides Attendance USA website Attendance USA video https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=892a6834e9&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1849874234874837597&th=19ac12d0c8dcba5d&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_mig9o60g0&zw For more information about your hosts: About Shelneka and We Got Goals About | We Got Goals LLC About Sharon and RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions About — RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions
S1
Dec 3, 2025
33:24
Attendance USA Connection Podcast Introduction
Trailer
The introduction episode of AttendanceUSA Connection sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations aimed at linking research, practice, and resources to help students across the country succeed. Hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley introduce the podcast's mission to engage with educational leaders, practitioners, researchers, and community organizations who are transforming challenges into opportunities for student and family reengagement.
S1
Dec 2, 2025
0:52