Chronic Absenteeism Rates Decline as States Implement New Policies

The rates of chronic absenteeism among K-12 students are finally showing improvement after nearly doubling during the pandemic. A student is classified as chronically absent when they miss at least 10% of the academic year, typically translating to around 18 days of missed school. According to Carl Felton, III, a policy analyst at EdTrust, this positive trend reflects the efforts being made by various states to address the issue.

Felton authored a report examining how policies in 22 states and Washington, D.C. have contributed to the rise in student attendance. He identified key strategies that have proven effective, such as the collection and dissemination of reliable data and the investment in early interventions and outreach programs instead of punitive measures. “The things that we want to see happen are happening,” he stated, highlighting the importance of these initiatives.

Data analyses reveal that chronic absenteeism rates soared during the pandemic, escalating from 15% in 2019 to 28% in 2022, according to a report by the American Enterprise Institute. Research links chronic absenteeism to lower academic performance and an increased risk of high school dropout.

Shifting Focus from Punitive Measures to Support Systems

Felton’s report emphasizes the need for states to move away from punitive measures that can alienate students and foster an unsafe learning environment. He advocates for the banning of corporal punishment and harsh penalties like suspensions for minor infractions. Federal data indicates that over 69,000 K-12 public school students in the United States faced corporal punishment during the 2017-18 school year. Despite a decrease in recent years, many states, particularly in the South, still permit these practices.

“A student needs to feel that they are cared for and that the adults in the building have their best interests at heart,” Felton remarked. He further noted that research-based services, such as after-school programs and mental health support, create a positive school climate. “These are the practices that we know can reduce chronic absenteeism because they address root causes.”

States like Connecticut and Maryland have invested millions in comprehensive support services, including mental health resources and home visits. California has allocated billions towards similar efforts. “Not until you reach people are you really able to address problems,” Felton explained. He emphasized the need for policies that prioritize student and family engagement to ensure consistent attendance.

Importance of Data Collection in Addressing Absenteeism

The report underscores the necessity of collecting high-quality data on absenteeism. Without accurate information, states cannot effectively direct funding and resources to the student populations most at risk, including students of color, low-income students, students with disabilities, and English language learners. “If the funding is not reaching the student groups that are most chronically absent, then states and state education agencies need to rethink their strategy and investment,” Felton stated.

The frequency of data collection also plays a crucial role. Many states report attendance data quarterly or annually, making it challenging for schools to respond promptly to absenteeism. In contrast, Connecticut publishes attendance data monthly, contributing to its status as one of the states with the lowest rates of chronic absenteeism. Yet, only about half of the states examined by Felton require teachers to take daily attendance and have clearly defined standards regarding how long students must be present to be marked as attending.

“Students and families need to know what measurement they’re being held accountable to so that they won’t be chronically absent,” Felton said. Clear metrics would not only aid in accountability but also enable teachers and administrators to better support their students and families.

The ongoing efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism highlight the importance of supportive policies and data-driven strategies in fostering a more inclusive and effective educational environment for all students.