Detroit Schools Improve Attendance with Health Hubs and Wraparound Services
Attendance in the Detroit Public School Community District (DPSCD) has seen a significant boost, with a nearly six percent increase. Currently, up to 81% of students attend school regularly. However, there is still much work ahead, as the district recognizes that concentrated poverty remains a major obstacle to improving attendance rates.
Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD, acknowledges the challenges posed by Detroit’s poverty, violent crime, declining population, and eroding tax base, which all contribute to high rates of absenteeism and an achievement gap. In an effort to combat these issues, the school district has implemented innovative measures through the creation of health hubs that offer comprehensive wraparound services to students.
The health hubs provide a range of crucial services, including dental care and assistance with evictions. By addressing the broader needs of students beyond education, the school district aims to alleviate barriers that hinder regular attendance and academic success.
While DPSCD has seen modest improvements in statewide testing across various grade levels, there is still room for growth. For instance, only 13% of students in grades three through seven demonstrated proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) on the MSTEP test. Although this marks an improvement, it falls far short of the desired outcome.
Superintendent Vitti emphasizes the district’s responsibility in ensuring every student’s progress and growth, regardless of their starting point. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, DPSCD has made noticeable improvements over the past six years. Acknowledging the need for additional support, Vitti has sought assistance from the governor and the legislature in order to secure greater flexibility in allocating resources.
In conclusion, Detroit schools have made commendable efforts to address the attendance challenges faced by their students. By establishing health hubs that offer wraparound services, the district aims to combat the impact of poverty and provide students with comprehensive support. While improvements have been made, there is still work to be done to raise academic proficiency levels. Superintendent Vitti is actively pursuing changes to funding regulations to further enhance resource allocation. The dedication shown by DPSCD holds promise for the future success of Detroit students.
