Guide: Improving attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism

Chronic student absenteeism continues to be a serious problem for many school districts. Nationally, 28% of students missed 10% or more of school days in 2022-2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The reasons for chronic absence vary significantly, as do the approaches that succeed in drawing students back to the classroom.

In this brief guide, learn more about the many impacts of chronic absenteeism, how to understand the root causes and the research-backed approaches that districts are taking to tackle the issue, including:

• Elevating staff capacity to partner with families
• Empowering families to advocate for their child’s learning
• Creating inviting, responsive, welcoming learning environments
• Partnering with community organizations