Why Chronic Absenteeism Often Goes Unaddressed BY LEADERS

School leaders are juggling competing priorities—academic performance, staffing, family engagement, and day-to-day operations. In the midst of it all, chronic absenteeism often gets overlooked—not because it isn’t important, but because leaders may lack the time, tools, or targeted strategies to address it effectively. Yet consistent attendance is foundational to student success. That’s where we come in: offering practical, data-informed support to help schools tackle absenteeism head-on and build systems that get students back in class—and back on track.

Absenteeism rates continue to rise in schools across the country, impacting academic achievement, social-emotional development, and school performance. The beginning of the year is the ideal time to reset expectations, engage stakeholders, and ensure that everybody understands their role in supporting strong attendance.

A back-to-school professional development session for your faculty can:

• Align your team around early warning signs and intervention strategies

• Build consistent messaging to students and families

• Strengthen systems to track and respond to attendance patterns

A workshop or engagement session for parents and caregivers can:

• Reinforce the importance of daily attendance from day one

• Address common barriers families face

• Empower them with tools and resources to support their children