Blog Article

New Video: Rebuilding Routine to Address the Attendance Crisis

March 25, 2026

A new REL Midwest documentary, Rebuilding Routine: Solving the post-pandemic attendance crisis showcases two Chicago Public schools that are making gains improving student attendance and engagement.

The 30-minute public television program, produced by REL Midwest, features the voices of educators, leaders and students from Ralph H. Metcalfe Community Academy (PK-8 grades) and Carver Military Academy (9-12 grades). Commentary throughout is provided by Cecelia Leong with Attendance Works and Jenny Scala with American Institutes for Research.

The documentary:
* explores the factors that influence chronic absence
* highlights the benefits students gain from regular attendance
* describes strategies to strengthen engagement and improve attendance

Promising strategies include:
* school teams using data to inform decision-making
* building authentic relationships
* ensuring positive conditions for learning

Watch with a group! REL Midwest has also created a companion viewing guide, which provides an overview of the documentary and discussion questions. Download the viewing guide!

Help us spread the word!

Feel free to use this draft message on social media or in your newsletters:

Students who are regularly out of school miss opportunities to learn and build relationships with both classmates and teachers. A new 30-minute public television program, produced by REL Midwest, spotlights two Chicago Public schools that are improving student attendance and engagement.

The documentary, Rebuilding Routine: Solving the post-pandemic attendance crisis explores the factors that influence chronic absence, highlights the benefits students gain from regular attendance, and features strategies to strengthen engagement and improve attendance. Promising strategies include school teams using data to inform decision-making, building authentic relationships, and ensuring positive conditions for learning. Commentary is provided by Cecelia Leong (Attendance Works) and Jenny Scala (American Institutes for Research).

REL Midwest has also created a companion viewing guide, which provides an overview of the documentary and discussion questions. View the documentary!

*Blog article photo courtesy of REL Midwest

News Resources

Newsletter Signup

Join our newsletter for tips, resources and news.

Share This

More from Attendance Works

Social Media

Copyright 2025 © Attendance Works. All rights reserved.