Chronic truancy has numerous causes, but for many students, making connections at school can help break that cycle. This session will explore a program model that capitalizes on students’ interests and passions by offering classes that are cross-curricular, community-connected, and centered on student voice and choice. Further strengthening students’ opportunities for connections is the fact that restorative practices, such as circles and reflections, are embedded into the instructional approach in this model. Participants in this session will have the opportunity to brainstorm with presenters on ways in which they might incorporate a similar approach in their program or school in the hopes of improving attendance, increasing student engagement, and strengthening students’ social-emotional skills.
