In the realm of student attendance at every grade level, every missed day represents a lost opportunity for learning and growth. Dr. Clayton Cook often emphasizes, “Students can’t benefit from something they don’t receive.” With that, the chronic absenteeism rate diminishes the potential for academic advancement and social development within our school communities.

Understanding the Causes of Chronic Absence

Data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals staggering figures regarding chronic absenteeism and missing school. During the 2021-22 academic year, a concerning 14.7 million students, comprising 29.7 percent of the student population, were chronically absent. Although early indicators from the 2022-23 school year show a slight improvement, with 27.85 percent of students exhibiting chronic absenteeism, the persistence of this issue underscores the ongoing challenge faced by school districts nationwide.

While it's tempting to attribute the most recent data with absenteeism solely to apathy or laziness, the reality is far more nuanced. Regardless of your position—whether you're a high school teacher, high school principal, school counselor, special education director, or school officials—it's imperative that we identify, uncover, and then actively address the underlying reasons behind chronic absence rates. Delving deeper uncovers a multitude of underlying factors contributing to chronic absenteeism data and this phenomenon while we strive for regular attendance.

You can Download our Problem Solving Blueprint for Chronic Absenteeism as a way to determine the root causes of student absenteeism.

Here are 7 common root problems that may underlie a student's reluctance to attend school:

1) Sense of Safety: Many students may perceive the school environment as unsafe or unsupportive of their well-being. Factors such as bullying, harassment, or concerns about school violence can erode students' sense of safety, leading to chronic absenteeism. Establishing a supportive and inclusive school climate is vital to fostering a sense of security among students. Check out CharacterStrong’s Tier 1 program as a potential solution to this need.

2) Sense of Belonging: Students who feel disconnected from their school community are more likely to miss school regularly. Building meaningful relationships with peers and teachers is essential for cultivating a sense of belonging and promoting student engagement. Creating opportunities for students to connect and interact positively with their peers can help foster a greater sense of belonging. At CharacterStrong our Tier 1 program intentionally has connection games and built in that allow students to feel connected to their classmates and feel like they belong. 

3) Motivation: Lack of motivation can pose a significant barrier to regular school attendance. Students who fail to see the relevance of their education or feel disengaged from the curriculum may be inclined to skip classes. Establishing clear goals and aspirations for students can help instill a sense of purpose and motivation to attend school consistently.

4) Mental Health: Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can significantly impact a student's ability to attend school regularly. Schools must prioritize mental health support services to address the emotional well-being of students. Implementing evidence-based interventions and providing access to counseling resources can help support students with mental health needs. Check out CharacterStrong’s Tier 2 Solution as a potential option to support these needs.

5) Family Dynamics: Family responsibilities and dynamics can influence a student's attendance patterns. Students may face caregiving responsibilities or experience family conflicts that interfere with their ability to attend school regularly. Schools should collaborate with families to address challenges and provide support to ensure students can attend school consistently.

6) Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses or medical conditions can disrupt a student's school attendance. Whether dealing with physical ailments or mental health issues, students with health concerns may miss school frequently due to medical appointments or treatment. Providing accommodations and support services for students with medical needs is essential to promote their academic success.

7) Unexcused Absences and Attendance Data: Monitoring attendance data, including rates of chronic absenteeism and unexcused absences, is crucial for identifying trends and addressing attendance problems effectively. School administrators must analyze attendance data regularly to implement targeted interventions and support strategies for students at risk of chronic absenteeism.

How to Problem-Solve for Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a complex issue that requires collaboration and dedication from all stakeholders, including school leaders, educators, families, and community organizations. By working together to address the root causes of absenteeism, we can create positive change and support student success in our public schools. Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a comprehensive approach that considers these underlying factors. By implementing evidence-based practices and fostering strong relationships between school staff, students, and families, schools can create an inclusive and supportive environment conducive to student success. 

Download our Problem-Solving Blueprint for Chronic Absenteeism to access resources and strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism in your school district. Together, we can work towards improving attendance rates and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Download our Problem-Solving Blueprint for Chronic Absenteeism