Alarming Increase in Student Absences Threatens Education

The pandemic has led to a significant increase in student absenteeism, with nearly 70% of high-poverty schools experiencing chronic absenteeism in the 2021-22 school year, compared to 25% before the pandemic. Even in affluent schools, chronic absenteeism rose to 14% from 3%. Preliminary data from the 2022-23 school year suggests a slight improvement, but rates of chronic absenteeism remain high in some states. Widespread absenteeism hampers students' ability to catch up academically and affects school culture. The challenge for schools is to establish new attendance norms and address the underlying reasons for student non-attendance, such as disrupted relationships, academic setbacks, family instability, and increased student anxiety.