Did you know that more than 8 million students across the U.S. experience academic setbacks due to chronic absenteeism? Every September, we recognize Attendance Awareness Month, a national effort to highlight the critical connection between regular school attendance and academic achievement.
The Impact of Attendance on Academic Success
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- Kindergarten: Students who are chronically absent have a 61% chance of reading below grade level by 3rd grade.
- 4th Grade: Chronically absent students score, on average, 12 points lower on state tests.
- 6th Grade: Chronic absenteeism is a leading indicator of future student dropouts.
- 8th Grade: Students with frequent absences score 18 points lower on state tests.
- 8th-12th Grade: Chronically absent students are 7.4x more likely to drop out of school entirely.
Consistent attendance is foundational to a student’s educational success, and early intervention is essential to prevent long-term academic struggles.
Understanding the Attendance Challenge
Absenteeism affects students in every grade level, and the patterns often start early. A study conducted by Linda Olson, "Why September Matters: Improving Student Attendance," shows:
- Students who miss fewer than 2 days in September typically have strong attendance all year.
- Half of the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss a month or more of school.
- Nearly 90% of students who miss more than 4 days in September remain chronically absent throughout the year.
These figures make it clear: regular attendance in the first few weeks of school can set the tone for the entire academic year.
Common Reasons for Student Absenteeism
The reasons behind chronic absenteeism vary, but some of the most common include:
- Transportation issues
- Illness and trauma
- Bullying or safety concerns
- Family obligations, such as caring for siblings
- Housing instability
- School disengagement
Schools and families should work together to address these barriers. Conversations with the school’s attendance team can often reveal underlying challenges and help families find solutions tailored to their student(s) specific needs.
The Central Ohio Attendance Network (COAN) Initiative
The Central Ohio Attendance Network (COAN) is a collaborative initiative designed to address student absenteeism across the region. COAN provides a space for school administrators, truancy officers, social workers, and attendance staff to share research, resources, and effective practices to improve attendance. Through COAN, schools can: connect attendance with student engagement, share ideas for attendance incentives, and access ESC data services for better attendance tracking.
Success Stories from COAN
The collaboration between schools, districts, and community organizations is already yielding positive results. Testimonials from the COAN network showcase the value of shared resources and collective problem-solving:
“The resources provided are great. The Padlet is very accessible, and I feel like I have a toolbox to help address absenteeism.” – COAN Attendee
“It’s good to have a space to problem solve and hear what other districts are doing. It gives me ideas and strategies that I might not have thought of or tried.” – COAN Attendee
Attendance Awareness Month reminds us that there is a clear link between school attendance and academic success. By fostering strong relationships between schools, students, and families, we can address absenteeism and help our students thrive. It all begins with an open conversation about the importance of showing up.
The Stay in the Game! Attendance Initiative
The Stay in the Game! initiative, launched by the Cleveland Browns Foundation, Ohio Department of Education, and Harvard’s Proving Ground, aims to promote the importance of regular attendance. Students, parents, and schools are encouraged to take the Attendance Pledge: - Student Pledge: Students commit to attending school regularly to improve reading skills, graduate from high school, and pursue the career or college education of their choice.
- Adult Pledge: Adults pledge to support students by ensuring they attend school each day and addressing challenges that impact attendance.
The initiative partners with districts like Columbus City Schools, Whitehall City Schools, and Hamilton Local Schools, providing resources like campaign materials, incentives, and peer learning opportunities to help improve student attendance.
Strategies for Improving Attendance
Schools, families, and communities must work together to improve attendance. Here are a few strategies for each group:
For Teachers and School Staff:
- Prioritize student engagement and social connections in the classroom.
- Reward good attendance with incentives.
- Intervene early when signs of absenteeism appear, involving both the student and their family in finding solutions.
For Parents:
- Establish consistent routines, including bedtimes and morning schedules.
- Actively engage with your child’s school and teachers.
- Set backup transportation plans for getting your child to school.
For the Community:
- Offer wraparound services to support families dealing with external challenges like housing instability or health concerns.
- Engage community partners in addressing the root causes of absenteeism.
Attendance Awareness Month reminds us that there is a clear link between school attendance and academic success. By fostering strong relationships between schools, administrators and students, we can address absenteeism and help our students thrive. It all begins with an open conversation about the importance of showing up. Let’s stay committed to improving attendance year-round, ensuring every student can succeed!
In need of Attendance Services? Check out the ESC’s Attendance Supports here.
Ramel Mitchell earned a BA in Special Education from Urbana University, spending 5 years in the classroom as an Intervention Specialist. He earned his Master's in Teacher Leadership from Wright State University and transitioned from the classroom into 4 years of principalship. Ramel is currently a Doctoral candidate in the Education Administration program at The Ohio State University and serves as the Associate Director of Student Services at the ESC of Central Ohio. He has a passion for collaboration and creating atmospheres where communities can thrive.