Background Materials

More than 8 million students across the U.S. are chronically absent, meaning they are missing so many days of school that they are academically at risk. Find out more about the chronic absence crisis affecting our children.

Attendance Works has developed summaries of key research, tips for reporting on chronic absence, a page with ten facts about chronic absence and a list of sources. Find them below.

 

Learn More by Reviewing Key Research Summaries

Chronic absence data can provide a wealth of information to reporters covering education. An analysis can show what parts of the city or school district have the most students missing too many school days. Chronic absence, starting in kindergarten, is associated with lower academic performance, especially for children living in poverty. It can also signal community distress, i.e. poverty, homelessness, unhealthy living conditions and neighborhood violence.

Get Tips for Reporting on Chronic Absence

Do You Know These 10 Facts About School Attendance?

Contact These Sources to Talk about School Attendance

Have You Seen the PowerPoint from EWA 2016?