Chronic absences and truancy affect all of us and our community. Across the country more than 7 million students are missing so many school days that they are academically behind. By the 6th grade, chronic absences becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Why Should We Care
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Absenteeism contributes to high school dropout rates, leaving students without the academic credentials and skills needed to compete in a 21st century workforce.
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Regular attendance is the precursor to the “soft skills” that you will continue to expect and require. Students who don’t develop the habits associated with good attendance in the early years will find it difficult to develop them as adults.
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Stronger Economy: Good schools are key to creating a healthy and vibrant city that attracts businesses as well as new residents.
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Chronic absenteeism can undermine our efforts to improve school performance and can contribute to higher dropout rates, meaning more youth are unable to hold good jobs or make enough to support their families.
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When too many students miss too much school, chronic absenteeism can be a drag on entire classrooms, as teachers slow down instruction to help absentee students.
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Safer Communities: Students who aren’t in school are more likely to be involved in a crime, either as victims or perpetrators. Better attendance means safer streets and safer children in our cities.
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Poor health and undiagnosed conditions can cause too many absences: Even when absences are excused,missing too much school can lead children to fall behind. Challenges related to poor physical, dental and mental health are leading reasons students miss too much school.
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Successful learners are healthier adults: Showing up to school is essential to graduating from high school and persisting in college. Higher levels of academic achievement are associated with lower incidence of disease and longer lives for adults