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School Attendance
Summer 2024
School attendance is so important for success later in life. Here is some information and tips to help you understand the importance of school.
The Importance of Attending School
Current Rates of Attendance for Early Childhood Learners
Students are considered chronically absent when their attendance rate falls below 90%. According to the Oklahoma State Report Card, the average attendance rate for kindergarten students is 76.12%.
*Chronically absent is defined as missing 15 or more school days for any reason, which includes excused and unexcused absences as well as suspensions from school, (U.S. Department of Education, 2016).
The Effects of Not Going to School
Children who struggle to attend school regularly tend to have lower reading and math scores when compared to their peers. In addition to having lower academic achievements, there are consequences a child faces when they miss school even in early childhood:
Early childhood learners may not reach developmental milestones
- Children who struggle to attend school regularly in preschool and kindergarten are more likely to read below grade level by the 3rd grade
Not attending school regularly may be a predictor of success in high school
- Even one year of chronic absence between 8th and 12th grade increases a students' likelihood of dropping out before graduating high school
Attendance in school could even predict outcomes in adulthood
- Dropping out of high school, which is experienced more frequently by chronically absent students, is linked to poor outcomes later in life, such as poverty, poor health, and involvement in the criminal justice systems
How can parents and schools work together to improve school attendance?
Communicate with your child's school
Communication between parents and the school is key to supporting a student who is missing school. The school may know of resources that would help the improve the situation to help the child get to school if there is an open line of communication between the parents and school. Here are some tips improve communication between parents and the school:
- Use a convenient school and parent friendly form of communication, such as email or the Remind App
- Obtain and provide notes from the doctor when a child is sick or goes to the dentist
- Contact the school counselor for resources if there is a need
- Attend parent/teacher conferences and other events hosted by the school
- Get involved with volunteer committees, such as the PTO or JOM
Parents, caregivers, and educators have a vested interest in helping children prepare for the future. Lets work together to help your child succeed!