Attendance Works
Coverage of Attendance Works in the Nexus archive.
- Absenteeism Is a Major Problem. So Why Can’t Schools Agree on How to Measure It?
Public school absences remain high, and there is no universal consensus on how to count student attendance, making it difficult to compare data across states. In response, Iowa passed comprehensive legislation in 2024 mandating that all districts use a standardized minute-level method for counting attendance starting with the 2025-26 school year.
- 4 numbers that show how chronic absenteeism is becoming a long-term crisis
Chronic absenteeism remains a persistent crisis, with 22.6% of students in 44 states and DC being chronically absent in 2024-25, still higher than prepandemic levels. A report by the American Enterprise Institute highlights a 0.9 percentage point decline from 2023-24 but warns of long-term challenges, including a 48% increase in absenteeism among kindergartners compared to 2019.
- Iowa Declared War on Chronic Absenteeism. Now It’s Gaining Some Ground
Iowa passed a law requiring schools to notify parents and create attendance plans for chronically absent students, leading to a significant decline in absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism in Iowa fell from 21.6% in 2023-24 to 16% in 2024-25, outpacing the national decrease. The state also implemented data tracking tools and accountability measures under the Every Student Succeeds Act.