Chronic absenteeism, or missing more than 10% of school days in a year, is one of the largest barriers to academic success — particularly for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, immigrant and undocumented students, and students with disabilities.

In EdTrust’s latest chronic absenteeism brief, How Data Can Solve the Chronic Absenteeism Crisis, we explore how strong data tools can serve as a bridge of opportunity for previously “invisible” students to experience educational justice.

This new brief outlines five strategies that state leaders and policymakers can use to strengthen attendance data systems, improve transparency, and equip schools with the information they need to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve student outcomes for all students. It also highlights practices that are worthy of state resources, investment, and implementation to support schools in addressing barriers to regular attendance.

Read the Brief