TriDistrict CAPS Students Address Chronic Absenteeism Through Research and Action
Published January 2025
Earlier this fall, students in the TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare Careers and Medicine program took on the challenge of finding solutions to improve student attendance. After months of research, student teams presented their action plans to an audience of public health officials, school leaders, and district administrators this past December. This initiative was driven by partnering with local healthcare professionals, who helped students understand Dakota County’s focus on chronic absenteeism—a public health issue defined by missing 10% or more of the school year.
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR): A Student-Driven Approach
To develop solutions, CAPS students used Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), an approach that prioritizes understanding community needs through direct engagement. Students conducted interviews with classmates, teachers, administrators, and public health experts, while also reviewing relevant research. This hands-on approach allowed them to craft solutions based on real-world perspectives.
Presenting Solutions from a Student Perspective
Each team shared their findings and recommended action steps, inviting feedback from attendees, including public health officials and school administrators. TriDistrict CAPS Director Ben Kusch emphasized the importance of these opportunities, explaining, "We seek to help students realize that they can solve big problems and that their voice matters."
Two Rivers senior and CAPS student John Kaiser pictured with school administrators
Two Rivers Student Reflects on CAPS Experience
John Kaiser is a 12th grader at Two Rivers High School and a CAPS student who participated in the chronic attendance campaign. We asked John a few questions about his experience with the campaign—check out his answers below.
What was your team’s solution to improving student attendance in Dakota County?
“Our plan focused on Flex Days, where students with good grades could stay home to focus on their mental health and school work. Those who were struggling would come in for extra help from teachers. We were surprised to find that other Minnesota high schools, like South Saint Paul High School, are already using similar ideas, such as WIN Wednesdays.”
What impact do you hope your project will have?
“I hope public health officials and district administrators consider some of our ideas to help reduce chronic absenteeism.”
What are your plans for after high school?
“I plan to attend the University of Minnesota in Rochester for their Bachelor of Science in Health Science program and eventually apply to Medical School. I hope to become a physician—possibly a Cardiologist or Family Doctor.”
How is the CAPS program preparing you?
“The CAPS program has been great in preparing us for the workplace. We’ve learned valuable skills like communication, professionalism, and teamwork. The internship experience in healthcare this semester will also provide a closer look at the industry, helping us apply what we've learned.”
Which CAPS courses have had the most impact?
“This is my first year in CAPS, and both the science and language arts courses have been very impactful. The teachers connect everything we learn to healthcare, from the books we read to the assignments that prepare us for the professional world. The science part of the program has deepened my understanding of diseases, medical advances, and the human body.”
What is CAPS?
Organizations that would like to learn more about TriDistrict CAPS or partner to train the next generation of professionals can visit careercollegeready.org/employers or email TriDistrict CAPS Program Director, Ben Kusch, at BKusch@tridistrictce.org.