Chronic Absenteeism Rises Significantly Post-Pandemic

Nearly 30% of Students Missed at Least 10% of School Days in 2021-2022

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of school days, has significantly increased since the pandemic, with nearly 30% of students chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year.
Chronic absenteeism can account for up to 27% of the test score declines in math and 45% of the test score declines in reading, according to the Council of Economic Advisers.
Chronic absenteeism has long-term impacts on students, affecting their mental health and their ability to earn a living in the future.
Barriers to attendance include child abuse, lack of access to transportation and stable housing, and misconceptions about the impact of absences.
School districts are trying to understand the reasons behind chronic absenteeism and are calling for more data and investigation into the issue.