Attendance Awards vs. Incentives – What Works Best?
At Neighborhood Educational Partners, we’re always looking for effective strategies to support student success. One key area we focus on is attendance—a cornerstone for academic achievement. Recently, the education community has been discussing the difference between attendance awards and attendance incentives and how they impact student behavior. Here’s what you need to know, along with updates on how we’re applying best practices at East Bronx Academy for the Future.
What Are Attendance Awards?
Attendance awards are recognitions given after a student has maintained excellent attendance over a set period, such as a semester or school year. While well-intentioned, research shows their limitations:
Timing Issue: Awards are retrospective and do not encourage future behavior.
Unintended Effects: Students who narrowly miss eligibility may feel demotivated.
Equity Concerns: Awards can disadvantage students facing barriers like illness or family obligations.
Why Attendance Incentives Work Better
In contrast, attendance incentives actively motivate students by offering rewards during the period of attendance. These can be tailored and immediate, making them more impactful. Research highlights the benefits:
Real-Time Motivation: Incentives reward ongoing behavior, such as weekly or monthly attendance.
Adaptability: Incentives like small prizes, digital gift cards, or classroom privileges can be customized to student needs.
Engagement: Students respond positively to tangible rewards, fostering a stronger connection to school.
Our Work at East Bronx Academy for the Future
We’re proud to implement research-backed attendance incentives in our program at East Bronx Academy for the Future. Here’s what we’ve achieved:
Using Digital Gift Cards: Students receive small digital rewards for consistent attendance, providing immediate recognition for their efforts.
Full Enrollment: Our program’s cohort of 15 students has been at or above capacity since the second session, demonstrating the effectiveness of our approach.
Engagement Beyond Attendance: Incentives have fostered enthusiasm and participation, creating a supportive learning environment where students feel valued.
The Path Forward
As we continue working with students, we’ll build on strategies like these to encourage attendance and engagement. By focusing on equitable, immediate, and motivational incentives, we’re fostering academic success for every student in our programs.
Would you like to learn more about attendance incentives can improve your attendance or after-school programming? Contact us and we’ll be happy to set up a time to speak with you!
