Consistent attendance is the percentage of students attending more than 90% of the days they are enrolled at a school. When students miss 10%, or more, of the school year, whether through excused or unexcused absences, they are considered to be chronically absent. This year there are 169 student contact days, which means that if a student misses 17 school days or more they are considered to be chronically absent.
Here are 5 key statistics on the effects of chronic absenteeism among middle school students. These statistics highlight the far-reaching consequences of chronic absenteeism, not only on academic success but also on social, emotional, and future employment outcomes.
Lower Academic Achievement: Chronically absent students are 7.4 times more likely to drop out of high school compared to their peers who attend regularly.
Widening Achievement Gap: Absenteeism disproportionately affects students from low-income backgrounds, contributing to a wider achievement gap due to fewer resources and academic support at home.
Risk of Future Unemployment: Students who are chronically absent during middle school are at higher risk of unemployment as adults, with research showing a strong link between poor attendance and lower job stability.
Impact on Social-Emotional Development: Chronically absent students are more likely to struggle with feelings of isolation, which can affect their mental health, social relationships, and engagement with peers.
Chronic Absenteeism Across Grades: Students who are chronically absent in 6th grade have a 75% chance of continuing to be chronically absent in later school years, perpetuating academic struggles.
Engaging parents through monthly updates, meetings, and collaborative efforts to monitor student attendance helps families stay informed and actively involved in their child's school progress. Each month we will share the following information with our families:
% of Students who are on pace to have consistent attendance (missed less than 2 days of school in a month on average)
% of Students who are chronically absent (have missed 17 days of school or more)
