Be@School Webinar Series: Inequitable School Absenteeism Policies: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Reform

Register Now: https://umn.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvcOyvpj8pGdUGp-EhKWlsl1uLZcKrwi8c

In partnership with the Hennepin County be@school truancy prevention program, CASCW is excited to bring you a three-part webinar series in place of the annual in-person conference that is typically held in the Summer. This three-part series will take place across the month of August and will feature key topics facing students, families, school staff, and child welfare staff in Minnesota.

Social Work CEUs and completion certificates are available for each webinar.

PART 1: Inequitable School Absenteeism Policies: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Reform
Clea McNeely, DrPH, University of Tennessee Knoxville

In many school districts, White students get their tardies and absences excused more often than do students of color. In this webinar we document the scope of the inequity in five large Minnesota school districts, describe how it is caused by normal, day-to-day implementation of colorblind attendance policies, and suggest some initial remedies. The presentation will be followed by breakout sessions to develop and share additional ideas for immediate and long-term strategies to eliminate the structural racism embedded in attendance policies.

Clea McNeely, DrPH, has been studying truancy policies and interventions in Ramsey County, Minnesota since 2015. Her research has been funded by the National Institute of Justice and the Spencer Foundation.