Defining Chronic Absenteeism

A student is chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of enrolled school days, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. This is distinct from truancy, which counts only unexcused absences.

Root Causes

Student-Level Factors

• Physical health issues or chronic illness
• Mental health challenges (anxiety, depression)
• Substance use
• Lack of engagement or belonging
• Bullying or safety concerns

Family-Level Factors

• Housing instability or homelessness
• Family responsibilities (caregiving, employment)
• Transportation barriers
• Lack of understanding about attendance importance
• Family health or mental health issues

School-Level Factors

• Unwelcoming school climate
• Ineffective or punitive discipline policies
• Lack of academic support
• Poor relationships with staff

Evidence-Based Strategies

Prevention

• Build positive school culture — Every student feels welcome
• Attendance messaging — Communicate that every day counts
• Early warning systems — Identify students at risk before they become chronically absent
• Remove barriers — Address transportation, childcare, and basic needs

Intervention

• Personalized outreach — Phone calls, home visits, one-on-one meetings
• Mentoring — Pair at-risk students with caring adults
• Incentive programs — Recognize and reward good attendance
• Family engagement — Partner with families to solve attendance barriers
• Wraparound services — Connect families to community resources

Re-Engagement

• Welcome-back conversations — Non-punitive check-ins after absences
• Academic support — Help students catch up on missed work
• Scheduling accommodations — Consider partial-day or modified schedules
• Restorative re-entry — Circle processes for students returning after long absences