Notes on Ethical Schools Podcast: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

Overview

• Guests: Hyen Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works
• Hosts: John Mcow and Amy H.
• Topic: Chronic absenteeism in schools and its implications on educational success and equity.

Definition of Chronic Absenteeism

• Missing 10% or more of school days for any reason (excused/unexcused).
• Equivalent to 18 days over a school year.
• Important to monitor early to prevent academic risks.

Historical Context

• Truancy: Historically focused on unexcused absences and compliance.
• Average Daily Attendance: Previously used for funding purposes, overlooked chronic absenteeism.

Emergence of Chronic Absenteeism Awareness

• Awareness began around 2006, not widely recognized until later.
• 2015-2018: Increased recognition and monitoring due to Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
• By 2018, 36 states + Washington D.C. included it in accountability systems.

Impact of the Pandemic on Attendance

• Initial drop in attendance tracking during early 2020.
• Major increase in chronic absenteeism, exacerbating existing inequities.
• Pre-pandemic: 8 million chronically absent; Post-pandemic estimates over 16 million.

Factors Contributing to Chronic Absenteeism

• Barriers: Access to healthcare, transportation.
• Aversion: Bullying, ineffective discipline.
• Disengagement: Lack of connection/belonging.
• Misconceptions: Underestimating the impact of absences.

Educational Impact of Absenteeism

• Early absenteeism predicts lower proficiency by 3rd grade, higher middle school suspensions.
• Critical years: 6th grade, 9th grade for dropout prediction.

Strategies to Address Chronic Absenteeism

• Tiered Approach: Universal, targeted, and intensive interventions.
• Community Involvement: Schools, families, community partners working together.
• Technology and Virtual Learning: Opportunities and challenges in maintaining engagement.

Post-Pandemic Challenges

• Physical/emotional safety concerns continue to affect attendance.
• Need for expanded learning programs and community collaboration.

Recommendations

• Focus on foundational whole-school supports.
• Utilize data to tailor interventions to specific student needs.
• Encourage positive school climate and relationships.

Conclusion

• Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a holistic and community-focused approach.
• Emphasize building relationships and engagement, not just compliance.
• Schools should utilize data to continuously monitor and support students effectively.

Final Thoughts

• The need for inclusive strategies that consider socio-economic and racial disparities.
• Long-term strategies should aim at systemic changes in education to support attendance and learning.

For more insights on ethical education practices, visit Ethical Schools. Subscribe to their podcast for ongoing discussions on educational equity and ethics.