Pulse #09: Purposeful AI, Stronger Engagement, and Lower Absenteeism

Nearly a quarter of students are still chronically absent, far above pre-pandemic levels. To reverse course, states must improve real-time attendance reporting so families and educators can spot problems early. Schools also need to stop sending mixed signals that attendance doesn’t matter. The message should be clear: every day counts, and students who miss school fall behind.

K–12 educators report the highest burnout of any profession, and turnover is rising. To improve retention, schools need to build a culture that supports teacher well-being. That means stronger relationships, protected planning time, and leaders who model healthy boundaries. When teachers feel seen, supported, and empowered, they are more likely to stay.

A superintendent shared how his district embedded AI across operations, instruction, and student learning, with clear guidelines, educator training, and an ethics course for students. His approach focused on responsible use, transparency, and efficiency, helping staff work smarter and students prepare for the future. He encourages school leaders to treat AI as essential, not optional, and to keep human judgment at the center.

AI is transforming classrooms, but its greatest potential may lie in strengthening connection, not just personalization. Students learn best when they feel seen and supported, yet many AI tools focus only on tailoring content for individuals. School leaders should explore how AI can enhance group dynamics, promote belonging, and create space for meaningful peer-to-peer learning.

A new study found that schools using team-based teaching, where educators share students, plan together, and have defined roles, saw improved teacher retention. Teachers in these models reported more influence over decisions and were less likely to leave.

Preparing students for the future means teaching them to listen, engage in disagreement thoughtfully, and show intellectual humility. Civil discourse helps students build empathy, think critically, and lead with purpose. These are the skills that prepare them to contribute meaningfully in college, the workplace, and civic life.

To address low proficiency, one district replaced outdated tools with evidence-based assessments, structured phonics, and visual scaffolds rooted in the science of reading. Real change came from aligning assessments, curriculum, interventions, and teacher training around data-driven strategies. The result: measurable growth, confident readers, and classrooms where all students can access complex texts.

The Trump administration is swiftly reshaping federal education policy by cutting DEI initiatives, reducing research funding, and expanding local control. Supporters call it a long-overdue disruption, while critics warn it undermines civil rights and public schools. Educators are left navigating uncertainty as policy shifts ripple through classrooms.

A new NWEA report urges schools to build deeper, partnership-based relationships with families by setting shared goals, addressing local barriers, and creating real trust. Engagement should go beyond behavior calls and include leadership roles, regular communication, and collaborative support for student learning at home.

[ICE Raids Fuel Absenteeism and Disrupt Learning] New research finds student absences rose 22% after immigration raids in California districts, with young learners most affected. These enforcement events heighten fear, reduce school attendance, and risk long-term harm to student well-being, academic progress, and district funding. School leaders are urged to strengthen family engagement, re-engagement efforts, and support systems for impacted communities.

[Empower Students in IEP Meetings] Students engage more when they are centered in the IEP process. Teachers can invite students to choose how they participate, co-design meeting experiences, and follow up with simplified IEP summaries. The result: stronger self-advocacy, clearer ownership, and goals that feel meaningful and achievable.

[What Schools Can Do to Build a Stronger Educator Workforce] To solve staffing challenges, school leaders should rethink how roles are designed, grow local and diverse pipelines, improve working conditions, and prioritize workforce strategy as a lever for student success. Models like co-teaching, tutoring-to-teacher pathways, and 4-day weeks show promising results for retention and outcomes.

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