Data available for the 2021-22 school year from several states – Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia and California – show rates doubled from those prior to the pandemic. This high level of chronic absence reflects the erosion of the foundational supports in schools that promote positive conditions for learning. Rebuilding these conditions, especially for the students and families who have been most adversely affected by the pandemic, is essential. Read this blog post published by the Learning Policy Institute about our strategies for improving absenteeism.

As we enter the new school year, chronic absence data from August and September is a critical tool for determining where action is needed most. Now is a great time to review your data and implement additional outreach and support where needed. These numbers also supply feedback on how your pandemic recovery programs are working. 

Communities and educators can also leverage "Stay Connected, Keep Learning!", this year’s Attendance Awareness Campaign theme, to highlight the importance of developing strong relationships between educators and students and their families. We know students are more likely to show up to school when they feel connected to adults and peers who believe in them, as well as can offer advice, support and an empathetic ear when they faced with challenging circumstances. Make sure every student feels connected to someone who cares! 

Working together, we can address today’s high levels of absenteeism and the educational inequities which have grown as a result of the pandemic.

Best wishes,

Hedy N. Chang

Founder and Executive Director