Medford, Mass. – Flerentin “Flex” Jean-Baptiste faced significant challenges at Medford High School, struggling with attendance so severely that he had to repeat his freshman year. After missing 30 days, he expressed frustration with the monotony of school life, stating, “you do the same thing every day.”
In an innovative move, the school’s principal instituted an organized sports program during lunch for students who attended all their classes, essentially introducing a recess for high schoolers. This initiative transformed Jean-Baptiste’s experience; he explained, “It gave me something to look forward to,” and consequently halved his absences the following year. The school recorded a remarkable decline in chronic absenteeism, dropping from 35% in March 2023 to 23% in March 2024, marking one of the most significant improvements in Massachusetts.
Even as the educational landscape stabilizes post-COVID-19, absenteeism remains a pressing issue across the nation. Data reveals that about one in four students were chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year, equating to approximately 12 million children in the 42 states and Washington, D.C. where attendance data was available. This marks a stark increase from just 15% of students prior to the pandemic.
While schools across the country are striving to recover from the effects of pandemic-related closures, many students still face overwhelming feelings about returning to the classroom, leading to ongoing attendance issues. Absent students are at a heightened risk for illiteracy and dropping out, compounded by the enduring consequences of financial hardship, mental health struggles, and transportation challenges.
Notably, attendance rates have shown slight improvements since the peak of the pandemic. Schools are identifying at-risk students and enhancing communication with parents to raise awareness about attendance, emphasizing collaborative solutions. Simple strategies, such as sending postcards to parents about their child’s attendance in comparison to peers, have proven effective.
In California, chronic absenteeism surged from 29% before the pandemic to 53% in the 2022-23 academic year, prompting school officials to solicit feedback directly from students. The consensus? They wanted financial incentives and access to mentorship. A grant-funded program in the area rewarded 45 students with $50 weekly for perfect attendance and provided daily check-ins with mentors, resulting in improved attendance for over 60% of participants.
In Massachusetts, Medford High’s morning greetings and lunch gym sessions have emerged as pivotal to bolstering student attendance. Principal Marta Cabral noted the necessity for high schoolers to engage in physical activity during the day, stating, “They’re here for seven hours a day. They should have a little fun.”
The root causes of chronic absenteeism remain multifaceted, often linked to emotional, behavioral, or financial issues. In Alaska, high absentee rates also persist, with some students treating attendance as optional. Grassroots solutions, such as providing on-site laundry services and transportation, have made significant strides in improving attendance rates in troubled areas.
The battle against chronic absenteeism continues, with schools nationwide exploring creative avenues to connect with and support students. Such initiatives are crucial as the education system recovers from the disruption caused by the pandemic.
