Curbing student absenteeism vital to their future

Read President and CEO of Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, Tim Mulligan's, op-ed published in The Morning Call.

Although the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic are in the past, millions of students nationwide are missing school at alarming rates even two years later. 

In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a spike in chronic absenteeism that shows no signs of subsiding. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, 14.7 million U.S. students were chronically absent in 2021-22. This means more than one in four students missed 10% or more of the school year, which equates to almost a full month of classes. 

As schools wrap up their holiday breaks, it is likely the rate of students missing class will go up. This is due to a variety of factors, but most commonly, families try to squeeze a few more days out of the holiday break. 

Research on the effects that chronic absenteeism has on students is robust. Chronically absent students suffer declines in standardized test scores, poor academic performance, and are less likely to graduate. Individuals who did not earn a high school diploma or equivalency credential are at higher risk for health problems, difficulty finding jobs and economic challenges. 

Together, we must fight the rising levels of chronic absenteeism so more students can succeed after high school. 

Combating today’s high levels of absenteeism requires a coordinated approach. It’s not just a school problem; it’s a community problem. School leaders need to partner with community leaders, parents and families to prioritize school attendance and invest in proven strategies for success. Efforts must include state-level planning, community intervention, and deepening trust between educators, families and students. 

There are steps we can take in the community to reduce chronic absenteeism: 

– Move from punitive approaches to an approach based on positive engagement.

– The current truancy system is focused on blame rather than root causes and solutions. Attendance interventions need to happen at the first signs of a student missing school. Positive interventions such as attendance incentives, goal setting, encouragement and addressing barriers create an early warning system prior to implementing punitive measures.

– Examine all the factors that can affect student attendance such as lack of transportation, unstable housing, needing to work to support their families and anxiety about bullying and violence in school. Mental health issues also remain a major obstacle to students showing up for school. 

– Utilize community-based supports such as integrated student support models that address the specific challenges each student faces. 

– Ensure parents understand that absences, even excused ones, add up to lost learning time. 

The fight against chronic absenteeism is not just an educational issue; it is a community dilemma that impacts our children’s futures and the health of our society. As we’ve seen, the effects of absenteeism extend far beyond the classroom, leading to diminished academic performance, lower graduation rates, and increased challenges in adulthood, including health issues and economic instability. It is vital that we recognize the factors contributing to this epidemic, such as transportation difficulties, unstable housing, and mental health challenges and address them with compassion and strategic intervention. 

School-based community organizations employing an integrative social work model, such as Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, recognize that chronic absenteeism is often an early warning sign of deeper challenges students may face. These organizations build partnerships among educators, families, and community leaders, creating a robust support network that empowers students to overcome barriers to attendance. 

Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania, part of the Communities In Schools national network, provides a tiered approach to student success. Beginning with prevention and early intervention, the organization nurtures positive conditions for learning that motivate students to show up at school. 

As we continue to combat chronic absenteeism, it is essential for all stakeholders — schools, parents, community organizations, and policymakers — to unite in this mission. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels supported, engaged, and motivated to attend school regularly. In doing so, we not only enhance their immediate educational outcomes but also invest in a brighter, more equitable future for our entire community. 

Let us commit to making attendance a priority, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.