Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days in a year, is a significant issue for schools across the United States. It carries numerous risks to students, from falling behind academically and dropping out before graduation to even poor physical and mental health. During the 2022-2023 school year, 33% of students (about 16 million) were chronically absent. This is an alarming increase from the pre-pandemic rate of about 15%, a number the US Department of Education called an educational crisis.
This problem is ongoing, complex, and costly to districts. While pandemic-related shifts in school culture and practices can't be entirely blamed for the rise in chronic absenteeism, it did change students' and families' views on school attendance and safety. Districts nationwide—affected at different levels of severity and by different causes—are doing work to re-establish the importance of in-person school attendance. Every absence represents not just potential consequences to student success and well-being, but also financial losses to a school district with implications for all students it serves. For school and district administrators, teachers, and staff, addressing chronic absenteeism is critical to improving student outcomes and ensuring equitable education.
Strategies for Reducing Chronic Absenteeism
Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a multifaceted approach. Schools that have successfully improved attendance rates use a variety of creative strategies. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Assembling a Dedicated Team
Schools that see the best results in reducing absenteeism often form dedicated teams that include administrators, teachers, attendance clerks, social workers, and other relevant staff. These teams meet regularly to strategize and execute plans to improve attendance. A coordinated effort ensures that all aspects of a student's life that might impact their attendance are considered and addressed.
Case Study: Plano Independent School District
Led by Director of Family and Social Services Sharon Bradley, Plano ISD relied on the work of individuals from around the district to tackle chronic absenteeism, getting creative with job titles and funding sources to make the work happen. Together, the team implemented a comprehensive approach that included sending personalized letters to families, establishing attendance teams, and partnering with community organizations. This initiative has led to significant improvements in attendance rates, and neighboring districts are now implementing strategies modeled by Plano ISD’s success.
2. Prioritizing Accurate Data
Accurate attendance records are crucial. Schools need to allot time to analyze this data to identify patterns and potential reasons for absences. This data-driven approach can reveal trends that might not be apparent otherwise, providing a starting point for targeted interventions.
Case Study: Oakland Unified School District
In California, the Oakland Unified School District has established a detailed and accurate process for monitoring and sharing attendance data. Their attendance dashboards enable educators, parents, and community leaders to identify barriers to attendance and implement solutions.
3. Engaging Service Providers
Schools alone cannot address all the factors contributing to absenteeism. Partnering with community service providers can help. These partners can offer essential resources like food, clothing, and medical care, which can alleviate some of the barriers to regular attendance.
Case Study: Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore City Public Schools partnered with local organizations to provide resources such as free meals, clothing, and healthcare services. As part of a larger strategy, this collaboration between the district and local providers aims to reduce absenteeism by addressing students’ basic needs.
4. Focusing on School Climate
Improving school climate is foundational to increasing attendance. This involves ensuring that the school environment is safe, welcoming, and supportive. Schools can implement strategies to promote inclusion, create connections among students, and provide support systems that make students feel they belong.
Case Study: Bayside Sixth Grade Campus
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, Principal Shampriest Bevel focused on improving the school climate by listening to the needs and wants of her students and teachers. Through surveys and focus groups, she learned what it was that would make the school a safe and pleasant place to be. By responding to this information and focusing on what the students and adults on campus really cared about, the school has reduced chronic absenteeism rates to below 10%.
5. Building Relationships
Research shows that students with trusting relationships with adults are more motivated and achieve higher levels of self-efficacy and academic success. Positive relationships can prevent absenteeism and be a vital part of intervention strategies. Teachers and staff should work to build strong, supportive relationships with students.
Case Study: Gompers Elementary-Middle School
In a Detroit school with chronic absenteeism rates previously as high as 82%, attendance agent Effie Harris established a mentorship program as part of a multifaceted attendance improvement strategy. The program paired students with trusted adults who provided guidance and support, leading to a nearly 20% reduction in chronic absenteeism.
6. Engaging Families
Family involvement is critical. Schools should work closely with families to develop plans for improving attendance. This collaboration can help clarify misconceptions about the importance of regular attendance and build a support system for the student at home.
Case Study: San Diego County
The San Diego County Office of Education made a big impact with minimal effort, coupling attendance data with nudge letters to families to inform them of their children’s attendance and the impact on their education. This program helped build stronger connections between the school and families, clear up misconceptions about attendance, and reduce chronic absenteeism by 9% in just one year.
7. Incentive Programs
Implementing incentive programs can motivate students to attend school regularly. These programs can include rewards for perfect attendance, recognition ceremonies, and other positive reinforcement methods.
Case Study: Eagle Pass Independent School District
As an alternative to ineffective attendance awards, Eagle Pass Independent School District in rural Texas offered incentives like baked goods and raffle tickets for high-value items to recognize and reward good attendance. This program led to a 20% improvement in attendance rates.
8. Mental Health Support
Providing mental health support is essential for addressing absenteeism related to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Schools can offer counseling services, mental health workshops, and resources to support students' mental well-being.
Case Study: Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles Unified School District has seen improvements in attendance with the creation of school-based health centers. Among other services, these health centers provide students a place to go on campus when experiencing challenges with their mental health. LAUSD saw an average improvement of seven days per school year from students receiving mental health support from school-based health centers.
The Impact of External Programs
Programs like Wayfinder offer valuable resources for schools aiming to reduce absenteeism. Research shows that students who receive social-emotional interventions demonstrate improved skills, behaviors, and academic success in ways that support positive attendance patterns. Resources such as Wayfinder's Mental Health + Well-Being Collections and the new Absenteeism Collection provide activities and lessons that support students in identifying their feelings, accessing necessary resources, and self-regulating. Schools that have implemented these programs have seen improvements in social awareness, positive social behaviors, and personal purpose, all of which lay the foundation for positive attendance habits.
Wayfinder helps students build belonging, create connections, find support, and navigate friendships. This work can help schools and districts improve school climate, develop strong student-teacher relationships, and provide timely interventions for students—all of which can reduce chronic absenteeism.
Reducing chronic absenteeism is essential for improving student outcomes and ensuring equitable education. By adopting multipronged strategies and leveraging available resources, schools and districts can make significant strides in reducing chronic absenteeism and fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Wayfinder provides valuable support in these efforts. Learn more in our Chronic Absenteeism Guide.
