Implementing Best Practices for Student Attendance

The Challenge of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism from school—which increased dramatically during the pandemic—continues to be a nationwide crisis. The chronic absenteeism rate, which stood at nearly 15% during the 2018-2019 school year, exploded to approximately 30% in the 2021-2022 school year. Nearly 14.7 million students were considered chronically absent during this period, double the figure from pre-pandemic levels. Addressing this issue is critical to the success of students and schools.

Why School Attendance Matters

Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than those who do not. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 15 days (or 10% of school days) during the school year, is associated with:

• Lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge
• Higher likelihood of dropping out of high school
• Long-term consequences such as poverty and health issues

High levels of absenteeism also negatively impact school communities, reducing district funding and limiting resources for students and staff.

Leading Causes of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• Health issues
• Poverty
• Mental and emotional health challenges
• Bullying and school-related anxieties
• Family responsibilities and difficult home environments
• Poor academic performance
• Teenage pregnancy and substance abuse

These challenges disproportionately affect Latino, Black, and low-income students, making targeted interventions essential.

The Academic and Social Impacts of Absenteeism

Beyond academic consequences like lower grades and test scores, chronic absenteeism has profound social effects:

• Increased likelihood of dropping out of high school
• Lower lifetime earnings and reduced access to quality jobs
• Higher rates of health issues such as diabetes and obesity
• Community impacts, including school closures and neighborhood destabilization

Strategies for Teachers to Improve Attendance

Teachers play a key role in addressing chronic absenteeism. Some strategies include:

• Creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment
• Regular communication with students and their families
• Incentivizing attendance with rewards and positive reinforcement
• Identifying and addressing barriers such as lack of transportation

Best Practices for Reducing Absenteeism

District-wide efforts are also necessary to reduce chronic absenteeism. Best practices include:

• Providing safe and reliable transportation
• Using a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to address attendance issues
• Building strong relationships with families
• Implementing data systems to track attendance and identify at-risk students
• Replacing punitive measures like suspensions with counseling and coaching

How Catapult Learning Can Help

Catapult Learning provides professional development, coaching, and family support services to help schools address chronic absenteeism:

• Professional development courses on creating positive learning environments
• Family Connections program to bridge gaps between schools and communities
• Parent workshops, mentorship programs, and referrals for external support

To learn more, visit Catapult Learning’s Family Support Services.