With student absenteeism reaching alarming levels, many school districts in Washington are adopting a tool developed by researchers at Washington State University called WARNS (Washington Assessment of the Risks and Needs of Students). This initiative is set to expand significantly this school year, with about half of the state’s districts—146 out of 295—planning to implement it, up from 90 in 2019. WARNS is a 40-question web-based assessment designed for middle and high school students. Its purpose is to identify the underlying reasons for students’ absences and to pinpoint their needs to promote engagement and retention in school. Brian French, a regents professor at Washington State University, emphasizes that the tool is intended to foster conversation with students rather than serve as a diagnostic or labeling mechanism.
More WA Districts Using a Tool Developed by WSU to Fight Absenteeism
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