As the bell rings to cue the start of the school day, a startling number of desks remain empty. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days, is more than a matter of skipping class. The complex issue that impacts students, teachers and the community at large is often misunderstood, demanding the attention of families, educators and policy makers. 

Alarming Statistics

According to the US Department of Education, almost 20 percent of students in high school are chronically absent. Compared to their white peers, students who are Black or Hispanic are 40 percent more likely to be chronically absent, and for Native Americans and Pacific Islanders, that grows to a whopping 50 percent. 

Over 8 million students were chronically absent in the 2022-2023 school years, a number much larger than in pre-pandemic years, when that number was only 6 million. The rise of chronic absenteeism is attributed to many factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing mental health crisis and increasing economic concerns impacting families nationwide. 

Challenges for Students

The effects of chronic absenteeism are severe and complex. Academically, students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind their peers. A report by the National Assessment of Academic Progress shows that chronically absent students are less likely to reach proficiency in reading and math. Furthermore, research conducted by John Hopkins University shows that chronically absent students between eighth and twelfth grade are more likely to drop out before graduation by a factor of seven. Long term, these setbacks impact students’ decisions to pursue higher education and academic development. 

Emotionally, chronically absent students experience higher levels of stress and isolation, in addition to the complex problems that cause this issue in the first place. They may experience stress from falling behind in courses along with meeting the expectations of educators and peers. Students who are chronically absent also miss out on key social opportunities to interact with peers and develop long lasting relationships, leading to long term isolation. 

Community Driven Solutions

The first step to combatting the chronic absenteeism crisis is to acknowledge the complex issue that it is. While schools have limited resources, it is helpful for educators to work with counselors, social workers, and families to remove barriers causing chronic absenteeism. It is important for educators to recognize and motivate improved attendance. Simple remarks or appreciation or small rewards go a long way in motivating students to show up to class.