It involves mapping out student-staff connections to help build stronger relationships and improve attendance and engagement.
How to Use Relationship Mapping as an Attendance Intervention
1. Create a Relationship Map
Gather teachers, counselors, and staff.
List all students' names on a large chart or spreadsheet.
Have staff mark which students they have a strong, positive relationship with (e.g., they talk regularly, mentor, or support them).
2. Identify At-Risk Students
Look for students with few or no connections to adults in the school.
Pay special attention to students with chronic absenteeism or disengagement.
3. Assign a Trusted Adult
Pair each disconnected student with a staff member who will check in with them regularly.
This could be a teacher, coach, counselor, or administrator who naturally interacts with them.
4. Build Intentional Relationships
The assigned adult should engage in informal check-ins (e.g., before class, after school, or during lunch).
Use strategies like the 2x10 approach (2 minutes of positive conversation for 10 days).
Focus on interests, goals, and challenges—not just academics or attendance.
5. Monitor Attendance & Engagement
Track attendance changes over time for students receiving support.
Adjust the approach if needed—some students may need additional support or referrals.
Why It Works
✅ Strengthens Student-Adult Connections—Students are more likely to attend school if they feel seen and supported.
✅ Prevents Students from Falling Through the Cracks—Identifies those who need extra attention.
✅ Creates a Culture of Belonging—Encourages staff to actively engage with all students.
Tracking Template:
Student Name | Current Attendance % | Staff Connection (Y/N) | Assigned Trusted Adult | Progress Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next Steps:
Continue building relationships beyond the initial intervention.
Encourage staff to actively engage with all students.
Evaluate effectiveness and refine the approach as needed.
By fostering meaningful connections, Relationship Mapping helps students feel supported, leading to improved attendance and engagement!