NCOSEA Voice: Absenteeism: Ramifications for Students, Schools, and Parents

When students are chronically absent from elementary school, they are far less likely to be proficient in critical areas like reading at an appropriate grade level. They frequently have lower standardized test scores and grade point averages. As early as the sixth grade, chronic absenteeism is a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school. But ramifications for schools and parents also stem from students’ chronic absenteeism. Schools and districts can be held accountable if they experience high rates of absenteeism.