Attendance

Education news, analysis, and opinion on the importance of going to school regularly and the effects of truancy or chronic absences on learning
Illustration in blue and red of a student learning algebra from math teacher
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Student Achievement What the Research Says How Absenteeism, Math Anxiety, and Other Factors Shaped the Troubling Results From PISA
Dire results on the Program for International Student Assessment should start conversations. Here's how.
Sarah D. Sparks, December 6, 2023
5 min read
Illustration of teacher, student, school building.
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School & District Management Download 3 Tips to Combat Chronic Absenteeism (Downloadable)
Improving attendance can hinge on student connections, more deliberately enlisting teachers' help, and employing empathy.
Caitlynn Peetz & Laura Baker, October 31, 2023
1 min read
Closeup of child's hands painting pumpkin with spooky face.
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School Climate & Safety How to Stop Students From Ghosting (and More Halloween Advice for Educators)
Our guide will help you keep attendance, student engagement, and classroom routines from getting thrown out of whack (o' lantern).
Evie Blad, October 25, 2023
5 min read
Illustration of happy school children running on a bridge handshake.
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Families & the Community New Research Finds a Crucial Factor in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism
Just as strong connections with parents can boost students' academic achievement, new research shows the same is true in fighting absences.
Caitlynn Peetz, October 23, 2023
5 min read
Image of a conceptual dashboard that tracks attendance.
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Student Well-Being Student Attendance Rates Show Signs of Rebounding
Absenteeism is still a crisis, but new state data show modest progress.
Evie Blad, October 18, 2023
2 min read
One person walking down stairs in motion effect photography inside building.
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School & District Management 3 Steps to Drive Down Chronic Absenteeism
A consultant emphasizes that students and families need to feel a connection with school.
Caitlynn Peetz, October 16, 2023
8 min read
Illustration of an attendance sheet.
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Student Well-Being High Absenteeism Hits More Schools, Affecting Students With Strong Attendance, Too
Students who consistently show up to school suffer when lots of their peers are absent.
Evie Blad, October 12, 2023
3 min read
Image of mental health and mental wellness.
Nataliia Prachova/iStock/Getty and Laura Baker/Education Week
Student Well-Being From Our Research Center Students Are Missing School Because They're Too Anxious to Show Up
Students regularly miss school because of anxiety, depression, and sadness, according to a recent EdWeek Research Center survey.
Libby Stanford, October 6, 2023
5 min read
Adult female teacher spends one-on-one time helping a Black female teenage student with her classwork.
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Student Achievement How These Districts Are Using $10,000 to Boost Student Learning
The pilot projects, begun with grants from the National Education Association, aim to curb absenteeism, supply food, and offer tutoring.
Madeline Will, September 25, 2023
7 min read
Student Well-Being Webinar Strong Student Attendance and Engagement: What Schools Can Do
Chronic absenteeism is a pressing concern for schools. Explore strategies for boosting attendance, tracking absenteeism, and fostering a supportive school culture.
September 20, 2023
Empty desks within a classroom
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Student Well-Being Q&A What Educators Need to Know About the Intense Anxiety That Keeps Students Home From School
School avoidance contributes to an absenteeism crisis. Here's what an advocate wants schools to know.
Evie Blad, September 8, 2023
5 min read
Kids play in an outdoor playground at the Jefferson Early Learning Center in the Alief Independent School District in Texas.
Kids play in an outdoor playground at the Jefferson Early Learning Center in the Alief Independent School District in Texas.
Courtesy of PBK
School & District Management Q&A Could the Design of Your School Be Hurting Attendance?
An expert argues that one way to improve student attendance is to do a better job designing schools.
Lauraine Langreo, July 25, 2023
4 min read
Illustration of an attendance sheet.
Brad Calkins/Getty
Student Well-Being Should Schools Reward Attendance? What the Experts Say
EdWeek talked to experts about the equity of attendance awards, as well as alternatives to awards to encourage students to come to school.
Lydia McFarlane, July 11, 2023
7 min read
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Student Well-Being Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: 4 Takeaways From Educators
Surging absences threaten schools' learning recovery efforts.
4 min read