Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue affecting student achievement across the United States. Typically defined as missing 10% or more school days for any reason in a single year, it has detrimental effects on key educational milestones such as third-grade reading proficiency, middle school engagement, and high school graduation rates.
In the 2020-21 school year, over 14.7 million students nationwide were classified as chronically absent. Although preliminary data from 11 states indicate a slight reduction in chronic absenteeism rates—from 30% to 27.8% between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years—the challenge remains substantial. The proportion of students attending schools with high rates of chronic absenteeism doubled between the 2017-18 and 2021-22 school years.
State-Level Strategies to Combat Chronic Absenteeism
Various states have implemented innovative programs and policies to address chronic absenteeism. These initiatives are often tailored to specific regional challenges and involve collaboration between state departments of education and local communities.
Connecticut: Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP)
Connecticut has been proactive in defining chronic absenteeism and establishing prevention and intervention plans. In collaboration with Governor Ned Lamont, the state launched the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP) in response to increased absenteeism due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LEAP targets specific districts with home visits aimed at fostering trustful relationships, encouraging regular attendance, and facilitating participation in supplementary educational programs.
Maryland: Comprehensive Mental Health Support
- Maryland School Mental Health Response Program: This initiative provides consultation and support for addressing mental health concerns related to absenteeism.
- Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education Grant: Aims to increase mental health awareness among youth and connect them with necessary services.
- Anti-Bullying Model Policy: Updated policies to combat bullying, which is a known factor contributing to absenteeism.
New Jersey: Step-by-Step Guidance for Schools
The New Jersey Department of Education has developed comprehensive guidance for districts to address chronic absenteeism. This resource outlines a step-by-step process that begins with identifying key personnel, collecting actionable data, and implementing a tiered model to promote regular attendance.
Rhode Island: Real-Time Data Utilization
- Live Attendance Dashboard: Allows schools to track attendance trends in real-time for timely interventions.
- Attendance Incentives: Collaboration with businesses to reward good attendance.
- Student Spotlights: Highlighting successful efforts by students and schools in improving attendance.
Virginia: Comprehensive Task Force Initiatives
The state of Virginia has established a Chronic Absenteeism Task Force as part of its All In VA initiative. This task force develops resources and action plans tailored for districts facing high rates of absenteeism. The state's ActionKit for Improving Attendance serves as a roadmap for designing customized strategies that cater to specific school needs.
The Role of Policymakers
The responsibility for addressing chronic absenteeism extends beyond individual schools; it requires coordinated efforts from policymakers at both state and system levels. High levels of absenteeism can overwhelm district capacities, necessitating strategic interventions such as those outlined by Attendance Works' tiered approach:
- Publishing Accurate Data: Ensures transparency and comparability across districts.
- Promoting Attendance Messaging: Highlights the importance of daily attendance for student success.
- Building Capacity: Provides necessary resources for schools to effectively manage absences.
- Integrating Initiatives: Aligns attention to absenteeism with existing educational programs.
- Tailored Action Plans: Utilizes current data to create effective strategies based on available resources.
The collective efforts of states like Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia demonstrate the potential impact of targeted initiatives in reducing chronic absenteeism. These programs not only address immediate attendance issues but also foster long-term educational engagement among students.
For more information on strategies to combat chronic absenteeism, please follow this link.
