EdAdvance and New Haven Public Schools Represent Connecticut at International Conference on School Attendance

EdAdvance and New Haven Public Schools Represent Connecticut at International Conference on School Attendance

EdAdvance and New Haven Public Schools proudly represented Connecticut at thec, held in New Orleans. The conference brought together education leaders and researchers from across the globe to address the persistent challenge of chronic absenteeism in schools.

Caroline Calhoun, Professional Learning & Attendance Specialist and LEAP Coordinator for EdAdvance, and Gemma Joseph-Lumpkin, Chief of the Office of Youth, Family & Community Engagement for New Haven Public Schools, led a dynamic workshop that highlighted Connecticut’s Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP). LEAP, developed in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education, has gained national recognition for its innovative approach to student engagement and attendance.

Their session explored ways to shift mindsets around attendance, highlighting EdAdvance’s and New Haven’s efforts to foster more inclusive, supportive educational environments. Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works—Connecticut’s partner organization—attended the session, supporting dialogue with participants and providing insights from her keynote speech earlier in the conference.

The workshop welcomed participants from diverse regions, including Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, Utah, Louisiana, Ontario (Canada), Japan, Australia, Holland, Sweden, Chile, Uruguay, Spain, and Ireland. This international audience engaged in discussions on the cultural and systemic factors affecting school attendance, sparking meaningful exchanges on strategies to support student engagement worldwide.

About LEAP

LEAP (Learner Engagement & Attendance Program) is Connecticut’s research-based, relational home visit model proven to increase student attendance and family engagement. LEAP serves as part of a comprehensive system of support for families whose students are struggling with consistent attendance. Its mission is to build trusting relationships with families. Learn more at www.ct.gov/LEAP.