Press Releases
More Essential Than Ever: States Taking Action to Improve Attendance
Attendance Works published its fifth annual report today examining the progress to date on state attendance data, policy and practice known to improve student attendance and outcomes. This year’s summary focuses on making data available in a more timely manner, continuing to promote accountability for…
New Report Details How School Districts are Reducing Chronic Absence for Students Experiencing Homelessness
March 10, 2025 – As the rate of homelessness rises nationwide, school districts are struggling to ensure students experiencing homelessness attend school regularly despite their challenges. A new analysis from SchoolHouse Connection and Attendance Works identifies creative strategies that districts are using to reduce chronic…
Continued High Levels of Chronic Absence, With Some Improvements, Require Action
January 16, 2025 – Newly released data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that chronic absence slightly declined in the 2022-23 school year but remains at historically high levels. The persistence of absenteeism is an urgent call for educators at every level to address…
States Commit to Meaningful Action on Chronic Absence
WASHINGTON, September 9, 2024 – Fourteen states have committed to cut chronic absence by 50% over five years, answering a challenge by a group of education advocates to urgently address a pressing issue that, if not fixed, could have long-term detrimental effects for our nation’s…
Stemming the Surge in Chronic Absence: What States Can Do, A Fourth Annual Review of State Attendance Policy and Practice
SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2024 – More states than ever are releasing chronic absence data earlier in the school year, according to a new report from Attendance Works, a non-profit initiative.
New Analysis Calls on States to Lead and Sustain Actions to Improve Student Attendance, Engagement and Learning Outcomes
SAN FRANCISCO, January 31, 2024 – State education leaders are critical to addressing the unprecedented levels and intensity of post-pandemic chronic absence seen in our nation’s schools.
Who is Missing School? Analysis Finds Chronic Absence Impacts Students of All Backgrounds and Living in Every Location
SAN FRANCISCO, November 17, 2023 –The pandemic-induced dramatic increase in chronic absence affects students of all backgrounds and living in every location, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2021-22 school year. Today’s extraordinary levels of chronic…