Understanding Chronic Absenteeism Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) 1

Facts About School Attendance* *Attendance Works Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.  By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.  2

Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in 10 kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent.

Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence. Students who live in communities with high levels of poverty are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care

Under ESSA , students are considered chronically absent if the following conditions are met: Enrolled in a school district for 10 or more instructional days In attendance for at least 1 day Absent (excused & unexcused) for 10% or more of enrolled instructional days

ESSA is starting to shine a light on how many students frequently miss school Focus will be on the student missing school for any reason. This is a departure from past practice. Students that are out on suspension or on excused medical leave will be excluded 6

We all play a role in helping students get from the first steps to exiting as graduates. Refer to academic and emotional assistance Talk to school counselor or principal Encourage parents to make school a priority 7