Agenda Item
a. Renewal: Everyday Labs Attendance Intervention (Not to exceed $121,733)
Summary: Presented by: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the renewal of the EveryDay Labs Attendance Intervention platform for an additional year for an amount not to exceed $121,733.
Why: EveryDay Labs Intervention is proven to reduce absenteeism among students from communities experiencing marginalization. Research shows chronic absences disproportionately affect students due to systemic barriers. EveryDay Labs Intervention provides the families of these students with proactive support that helps them access learning opportunities. EveryDay Labs Intervention is a research-based and proven effective solution that promotes student achievement by reducing absences and increasing access to learning opportunities.
Details: EveryDay Labs was piloted in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) during the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year. Upon completion of professional development for Horizon School staff members, the program was launched in March 2024. Everyday Labs monitors attendance and sends out text messages, which they refer to as nudges, to guardians when students are absent. Families have an opportunity to communicate with a bot that addresses the concern and provides resources as needed. Nudges are differentiated based on language, grade level, school, and level of absenteeism. At the conclusion of the school year, over 42K text nudges had been sent out and over 3000 families interacted with the chatbot or family support team to ask questions or address identified needs. Out of 7,127 students analyzed, 55% (or 3,954 students) showed improvement in attendance after receiving at least one text and at least one mail nudge from EveryDay Labs.
Schools also have access to the attendance dashboard via the Everyday Labs platform and can monitor parent contact and communication. The goal of the program is to reduce chronic absences, support families in developing strong attendance habits, and help families make the connection between attendance and academic success.
At its business meeting on Monday, October 16, 2023, the DeKalb Board of Education approved the purchase of EveryDay Labs for an amount not to exceed $121,733 for all Horizon Schools.
Financial impact: The estimated cost to renew the Attendance Intervention platform shall not exceed $121,733 and will be paid using Title IV Funds against charge code: 462.2100.530000.03221.7020.1779.8010.090.2024.
Contact: Kishia K. Towns, Ph.D., Chief of Wrap Around Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-1918
Mrs. Denise Revels, Director of Wrap Around and Student Support, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-2011
Ms. Shelly Bishop, Coordinator of Social Work Services, Division of Wrap Around Services, 678-676-2009
Status: Approved by General Counsel