What is Chronic Absenteeism?
Chronic absenteeism refers to a pattern of excessive school absences. In education, it is often defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (around 18 days in a standard 180-day school year) for any reason, excused or unexcused. Chronic absenteeism can negatively impact academic performance, social development, and long-term success.
Students who attend school regularly feel more connected to their school community and are more engaged in learning. As a result, they are more likely to earn better grades and test scores and have greater chances of graduating and achieving postsecondary success.
Missing two days per month (excused or unexcused), means that a student is Chronically Absent.Returning Students to School
A student's return to school after an extended absence is a critical moment. The way they are received is deeply influenced by the reasons for their absence, and it's natural for staff and the school community to feel a mix of emotions, including hurt, frustration, or caution. However, it is essential to acknowledge these feelings and work through them to ensure a successful return. A student's reintegration will likely fail if the community and the student return without acknowledging what has transpired. Similarly, when a student returns from a personal crisis, it is important to respect their privacy while also ensuring that staff are aware of their fragility and that the student knows who they can turn to for support. The foundation of a successful return is a properly prepared and welcoming environment.
Mobilizing Your Stakeholders, Systems & Resources
If proper systems and structures are in place, the path to chronic absenteeism is long and marked by key indicators that can be addressed to intervene. While these issues sometimes stem from factors outside a school's control, looking for these early signs and adopting a proactive, supportive approach is critical. Every person in the school community—from classroom teachers to specialists, school-based teams, and administrators—has a vital role to play in fostering a culture of attendance.
These indicators may include:
- A student who struggles academically may feel frustrated or discouraged, making them less inclined to attend school
- A student who feels disconnected from their peers or teachers is less motivated to be present
- A student with unaddressed social-emotional challenges may experience anxiety or depression that prevents them from attending
Absenteeism Scenarios and Responses
Explore the scenarios below to learn about common causes of absenteeism and responses schools can take to support students. It’s important to remember that chronic absenteeism can result over a brief period of time, or over an extended period of time. Regardless of the timeline, adults must be alert for early warning signs, such as changes in a student's behavior, academics, or general presence. The most effective intervention is always early intervention. When teachers and other adults recognize a change, it's a prime opportunity to address, investigate, redirect, or support them. Everyone in the school community has a responsibility to be on the lookout and respond to these signs.
Do any of these scenarios match your student?