Rural South Dakota school boosts attendance through culture and family engagement

Norris Elementary School, a small rural school near the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations, has raised its attendance rate to more than 90% after years of chronic absenteeism, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Three years ago, barely half of the students attended class regularly, a challenge common among schools serving Native American students, based on data from the South Dakota Department of Education.

Principal Brian Brown told South Dakota Searchlight that the improvement came from one-on-one engagement with students and families and the addition of Lakota language and cultural programming. Students begin each day with breakfast and Lakota songs, and Brown teaches Lakota studies weekly. If students miss roll call, Brown makes home visits to check in with families.

South Dakota Secretary of Education Joseph Graves told South Dakota Searchlight that culturally relevant lessons paired with strong school leadership are key factors in the school’s success.