The Hechinger Report – Tara García Mathewson
“Danielle Burnett, a truancy prevention social worker in Albuquerque Public Schools, spends her days figuring out why students miss school. Her job is to identify the underlying reasons and help families change course. Some students don’t show up because their parents can’t afford school uniforms. Burnett can get these students vouchers for free pants and tops. Many parents keep their children home for minor colds or stomachaches. Burnett encourages them to send kids to class unless they have a fever or are throwing up, and she reminds them that the school nurse can help with health decisions.” (more)