Report: Chronic absenteeism dips slightly, but remains high nationally

A new analysis by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University found that while modest improvements are being made, chronic student absences remain a challenge in nearly every area of the country.


Shutterstock 2376788433A new analysis of ED.gov data conducted by Attendance Works and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University found that the average rate of chronic absenteeism has decreased slightly from its high in the 2021-22 school year, while a majority of students currently attend schools with rates of 20% or higher.

The organizations found seven main takeaways from the data: 

  1. Chronic absence slightly decreased from its high of 30% of students in the 2021-22 school year to 28% in 2022-23.
  2. While chronic absence was decreasing for all student demographic groups, sizable gaps remained
  3. Most states are seeing reductions, but a few saw increases, while progress was often uneven within states. Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Rhode Island and New Mexico were highlighted for making substantial improvements
  4. High or extreme levels of chronic absence remained a persistent challenge, with 61% of school reporting challenges with some students missing 20%-30%+ of school days
  5. The greatest decreases were among the schools with the highest levels of chronic absence; there was no improvement in the percent of schools with lower chronic absence levels. 
  6. The majority of schools serving the highest proportion of students experiencing poverty continue to experience extreme levels of chronic absence. 
  7. Large numbers of elementary schools continue to be affected by extreme chronic absence levels. 

While modest improvements in reducing chronic absence are occurring, it remains a challenge nearly everywhere. [Attendance Works]While modest improvements in reducing chronic absence are occurring, it remains a challenge nearly everywhere. [Attendance Works]

Powerful and effective strategies

In addition to calling for making reducing chronic absences a top priority at the national, state, and district levels, Attendance Works also highlights strategies including: 

  • Advancing family engagement
  • Promoting student connectedness
  • Ensuring health, well-being and safety
  • Investing in relevant and engaging learning
  • Supporting access to learning
  • Improving access to real-time attendance data at the school, district, and state levels

Read the announcement on the Attendance Works website.

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