Decreasing Chronic Absenteeism
June 6, 2019
According to Gallup’s Mark Reckmeyer—also reporting on the chronic absenteeism issue—with the implementation of ESSA and it’s “encouraging more diligent tracking and reporting of student behavior metrics,” chronic absenteeism “has become a focal point for parents, principals, districts, and states (36 states include chronic absenteeism in their ESSA plans).” This “updated federal education law,” which is “important for holding schools accountable for students’ absences,” is “increasing the urgency for educators to find ways to decrease chronic absenteeism.” Reckmeyer concludes: “Increasing student engagement to decrease chronic absenteeism is an attainable, simple and necessary option that all districts and schools should include in their future strategies and goals.”