by Dr. Gladys I. Cruz
District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES

The foundation of a child’s success in their educational journey depends on their active engagement in school. Consistent school attendance has a positive correlation to success in school – you must be in school to learn. Unfortunately, chronic absenteeism – missing 10 percent or more of school days each year – has become a major challenge for schools locally, statewide, and nationally. Being absent from school impacts our students’ achievement, well-being, and development.

According to RAND, about one in 10 school districts nationally reported chronic absenteeism levels of 30 percent or more and another two in 10 districts reported rates between 20 and 30 percent in the 2023–2024 school year. While this problem isn’t new, it is getting worse with rates doubling since pre-pandemic levels. With the new school year in full swing, it is an opportune time to think about the importance of consistent attendance so that our students can get the best of their learning.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 18 or more days within one school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences as well as suspensions. This issue impacts students from all schools – rural, urban, suburban, high poverty and low poverty alike – in every state. However, children living in poverty are more likely to face chronic absenteeism – and more likely to suffer academically from loss of instructional time.

Research shows that missing school can have lifelong impacts, from not being able to read at grade level to being less likely to connect with peers and the community. Chronic absences are one of our earliest indications of difficulty in school. This can be tracked as early as kindergarten and serves as a predictor of whether students will drop out of school.

School is more than just academics. It is a place where children build confidence, develop crucial social-emotional skills, and forge lifelong friendships. Every missed day weakens these connections and creates learning and social gaps that can be difficult to recreate or bridge. Showing up to school in person regularly is a daily habit that will set up students for success beyond their educational journey into work and life.

While chronic absenteeism is a complex issue, it is one we can tackle together. By building a network of support, we work together to strengthen our schools and invest in the future of our children. Here are some actionable steps to consider:

  • Families: Talk to your child’s school about resources available to support consistent attendance. Set a routine for regular bedtimes and school mornings. Schedule extended family trips when schools are not in session and schedule medical appointments after school, if possible. Have your child stay home only when they are sick.
  • Schools: Regularly assess and address attendance issues. Implement positive reinforcement strategies and offer support programs to address underlying causes of absenteeism. Stress the importance of teacher, school and family communications and partnerships. Avoid placing an overemphasis on students having perfect attendance – which can be difficult for reasons beyond a student or family’s control. Provide more learning activities that focus on the real world or life skills that engage the learners – an August 2024 poll by Ed Choice found that teens are more likely to point to school being too “boring” as a reason why they miss so many days.
  • Community: Advocate for programs that support student well-being and offer your time or resources to mentorship initiatives. Work closely with schools to offer programs that enrich the school experience. Also, work closely with families to identify resources needed for students and families.

Research shows that strong relationships with caring educators and adults are key in keeping students and families involved in school and learning. It also shows that students who are engaged in learning that interests them or participate in extracurricular activities have better attendance and higher grades. This is where outside groups and providers can help, including sports clubs and local foundations, by providing activities and resources that keep students engaged and interested in school.

A May 2024 article by Education Week found that schools having success in addressing chronic absenteeism all have one thing in common – they leverage help from outside of school, including families, community groups, and others.

Ultimately, many people play a role in ensuring that children attend school regularly, starting with parents and guardians. Spreading the message about the opportunities students gain by consistent attendance can set the tone for the rest of the school year and beyond. Remember, you must be in school to learn.

This column will appear in the Register Star and The Daily Mail newspapers

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