Schools Tackle Chronic Absenteeism with Creative Solutions

From organized sports during lunch to financial incentives, schools are experimenting to improve attendance post-pandemic.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant issue with nearly 25% of students missing at least 10% of the school year.
In Medford, Massachusetts, allowing students to play sports during lunch reduced absenteeism by 12%.
Oakland, California, saw a 60% improvement in attendance by offering students $50 weekly for perfect attendance and mentorship.
Schools are addressing underlying issues like mental health, transportation, and financial hardship to keep students engaged.
Simple measures, such as sending postcards to parents and providing alarm clocks, have shown positive results.