The Attendance USA Connection

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, f...

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.

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 Attendanc...

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...

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.

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 engag...

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, t...

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 challe...