Why are students chronically absent?
Research has shown that the reasons why students are chronically absent fall into four categories:
- Myths and misperceptions about attendance
- Barriers to attendance
- Aversion to school
- Disengagement from school
(Attendance Works, 2014)
Districts and individual schools will need to “unpack” their data and work closely with families and students to determine why students are absent. Communicating in a culturally relevant manner with parents around the myths and perceptions about attendance is essential so that they can become partners with school district efforts to improve attendance.
(Attendance Works, 2014)
Resources
Breaking Barriers to Attendance, Attendance Works
In School and On Track: A toolkit on “How to talk to parents of elementary school students about their children’s absences,” California Attorney General and Ad Council
The Attendance Imperative: How States Can Advance Achievement by Reducing Chronic Absence, Attendance Works
Understanding the Factors Contributing to Chronic Absence in Your School, Attendance Works