Chronic absenteeism — missing 10% or more days of school, for any reason — spiked during the pandemic and has remained a concern in communities across the country. Although absenteeism rates have risen across the board, students of color, those living in low-income communities, and students with disabilities often face steeper barriers and have a harder time attending school regularly.
To address this problem, states need robust data and policies that support regular school attendance. It’s clear what works to reduce chronic absenteeism: authentic family engagement; safe, supportive, and engaging school environments; and community partnerships to support students and families.
EdTrust will soon release “Absent But Not Invisible,” an interactive policy scan identifying and evaluating 23 states’ policies on data collection, transparency, and accountability, investments in engagement strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, elimination of harmful discipline practices that exacerbate student absences, and adoption of evidence-based guidance and policies that support attendance.
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