Student and Family Centered Improvement Initiatives

Attendance and Engagement

Attendance has been proven to be one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement and can have a dramatic impact on key milestones, including third grade reading, ninth grade achievement, high school graduation, and postsecondary persistence. Chronic absenteeism is missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason. A focus on chronic absenteeism examines the link between loss of class time, academic achievement, and educator practice, including cultivating authentic relationships with students, families, and community organizations. An awareness of chronic absenteeism and its potential impact will empower students, families, and communities to make informed decisions regarding missing school.

Student attendance is also typically an indicator of other root causes and gaps in our education system and supports. We are working with our school district partners to analyze student data and identify where engagement is needed, and what supports can facilitate this in our schools and communities. We are collaborating with regional partners passionate about students in the margins to encourage system transformation.

We work with several state-identified high-needs districts in a collaborative and supportive role, to reframe work around attendance and engagement of students in their school communities. At the same time, we also provide direct support to students and families around school attendance with guidance from our school partners. PSESD is committed to providing regional support and technical assistance to support shifting educator practice and beliefs to ensure that all students achieve at high levels. Please view the links below to see our range of services:

• PSESD Intake Referral Form 
• Coming Soon! 
• Coming Soon! 

Our District Partners

Past Events

Motivational Interviewing

Join us for an immersive event focused on mastering the art of Motivational Interviewing (M.I.)! Explore how to navigate and overcome unintentional barriers in conversations, effectively reducing resistance and disengagement. Learn to pinpoint Change Talk in various forms, both written and recorded, while gaining a toolkit of open-ended questions tailored for student interactions. Through hands-on exercises, refine your skills in using open-ended questions and reflective listening to elicit Change Talk, all while embodying the Spirit of M.I. in real-time scenarios. Engage in interactive sessions to compare and contrast different 'helping styles,' and deepen your understanding of the nuances between affirmations and praise. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your practice and enhance your impact! Register on PDenroller here, and read more about the speaker for this event here!  

Re-Engagement Summit 2024

Participants convened on March 27, 2024 with other Community Based Organizations, and other state and regional leaders to demonstrate support for disengaged youth and build a brighter future for them. PSESD Re-Engagement Summit was open by invitation to those who have a passion for supporting our youth who are in the margins. The featured Keynote Speaker was Maestro Jerry Tello, who's book you can find here! 

The PSESD Youth Wisdom Council (YWC) work to shape the future, co-designing and infusing student voice into initiatives that uplift our schools and communities. Youth Wisdom Council interns not only make a difference, but also gain invaluable skills. Join us in championing the voices of tomorrow, today, as we work to advance racial equity and elevate Youth of Color leadership in our schools and communities. We encourage you to submit an application by clicking here if you are interested in joining us for the 24-25 school year. 

The PSESD Community Wisdom Council (CWC) is a collaborative group of families and community representatives partnering with the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) to bring transformation to our educational systems. The CWC offers multiple opportunities for families and community leaders to interact with district and PSESD leaders through initiatives and meetings. Our aim is to strengthen connections and enhance capacity in PSESD's collaboration with local families and communities.