Flerentin “Flex” Jean-Baptiste, who struggled with school attendance and had to repeat his freshman year, saw a significant improvement in his absences after his principal implemented a policy allowing students to play organized sports during lunch if they attended all their classes. This new incentive, akin to offering recess, motivated Jean-Baptiste and others, leading to a reduction in his absences and a notable decrease in overall chronic absenteeism at Medford High School, from 35% to 23% in one year.
Schools have Made Slow Progress on Record Absenteeism, with Millions of Kids Still Skipping Class
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