Alarming Absenteeism: Widespread School Attendance Crisis Plagues US

Since schools reopened during the pandemic, record numbers of students in the US have been absent, with over a quarter missing at least 10% of the 2021-22 school year, making them chronically absent. An estimated 6.5 million additional students became chronically absent, disproportionately affecting Latino, Black, and low-income students. Chronic absenteeism has long-term consequences, including increased risk of learning difficulties and dropping out. Absences were influenced by various factors such as financial instability, illness, transportation issues, anxiety, depression, and feeling unwelcome at school. The effects of online learning and disrupted school relationships have also contributed to decreased motivation for regular attendance. The post-COVID era has seen a change in the reasons for absenteeism, with students who already felt disconnected from school feeling further isolated. The impact of chronic absenteeism on students' education and well-being is a significant concern as schools work to recover from learning setbacks caused by the pandemic.