In just two years, Ohio has made meaningful progress. Statewide chronic absence dropped from 30.2% (2021-22 school year) to 25.6% (2023-24). That means over 100,000 more students are regularly attending school compared to the height of the pandemic’s disruption.

The Colorado Department of Education developed a strategic plan to support a culture of belonging, expand instructional practice and reengage students. In two years, Colorado reduced chronic absence from 35.5% to 27.7%.

The Virginia Department of Education partnered with Attendance Works to provide professional development and promote 5 Key Strategies as part of its comprehensive “ALL In VA” plan. The state’s new accountability system prioritizes chronic absence to support schools in improving attendance.

Reedley High School is a comprehensive high school located in the Kings Canyon Unified School District in California’s central valley. The school serves 1,773 students. At 5.6%, Reedley’s chronic absence rate is well below the statewide average and the overall rate for high schools in…

Sanger High School is a large, comprehensive high school serving 3,579 students and is located in California’s central valley. Although Sanger’s chronic absence rate of 21.8% is higher than school leaders would like, it is still well below the statewide average of 30%.

Ramona High School is a large, comprehensive high school located in Riverside County, CA., and serves 2,078 students. When asked to describe the school, Assistant Principal for Student Support Services, Estephany Balcazar, Ph.D., noted that the school prioritizes student well-being.