September 27, 2021
Absenteeism surging since schools reopened
Quarantine orders and disengagement from school are leading to higher absenteeism, experts say. They fear students may fall even further behind.
Topic
Chronic Absenteeism
Schools and districts across California are looking for models to bring students back to school. Students are labeled chronically absent if they miss at least 10 percent of the school year, or approximately 18 days. Missing school can have adverse consequences for a child as early as kindergarten. A growing body of research shows students with high rates of absenteeism are less likely to be able to read at grade level by the end of the 3rd grade, are more likely to drop out in high school and are less successful in college.