For Illinois students, it’s been a challenge to get back to regular school attendance after the pandemic. About a quarter of student miss more than 10% of school days. In high school, it’s even worse, with about 35% of student being chronically absent. Stand for Children is conducting four focus groups to better understand the barriers to regular school attendance for high school students and their families. We are looking for current or recent Illinois high school students and/or their parents to participate in a focus group.
Why should you participate?
- Help shape state and local policy solutions by sharing your story.
- We will protect your anonymity; though we will share stories and analyze barriers collectively, we will not reveal any individual’s identity.
- Earn a $50 gift card for 90 minutes of active participation over Zoom.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Parents of high school students who attended an Illinois high school last year AND missed more than 10% of school days for any reason.
- Students age 18+ who attended an Illinois high school last year or the 2023 – 2024 school year AND missed more than 10% of school days for any reason.
- Students age 16 – 17 with a signed parent permission slip are also eligible to participate.
- You must have access to Zoom and a functional webcam that is turned on throughout the focus group (phone or tablet is fine)
- You must be willing to share your story and answer questions about your experience.
When are the focus groups?
Please sign up for only one group. Up to 12 people are eligible to sign up for each session.
*The August 28th session is is restricted to participation of high school students who were referred by their Regional Office of Education or school administrator after engagement with a truancy officer or other school support for truancy.
Please reach out to Jessica Handy ([email protected]) with any questions.
