Chronic Absenteeism Among K-12 Students in the US

SOURCE www.npr.org
Chronic absenteeism among K-12 students in the US has increased during the pandemic, with students like Neomi and Anais facing challenges that impact their attendance. Support from schools, families, and teachers is crucial in helping students overcome barriers to attendance and stay on track to graduate.

Key Points

  • Chronic absenteeism has risen during the pandemic, with 26% of US students being chronically absent in the 2022-'23 academic year
  • Irregular attendance is linked to a higher risk of not graduating, making it a crucial factor in student success
  • Efforts to address chronic absenteeism require collaboration between schools, families, and students

Pros

  • Increased awareness of chronic absenteeism issues among K-12 students
  • Efforts by schools to support students like Neomi and Anais in improving their attendance
  • Importance of addressing mental health and other factors affecting student attendance

Cons

  • Negative impact of chronic absenteeism on academic performance and graduation rates
  • Challenges faced by students like Neomi and Anais, such as bullying and personal issues affecting attendance
  • Need for ongoing support and interventions to help students overcome barriers to attendance