Key facts about school attendance:
Chronic absence is a major issue
Missing 10% or more of school—about 18 days a year—is considered chronic absenteeism, and it harms student achievement.
Impact starts early
Poor attendance in kindergarten and first grade can lead to a struggle with reading by third grade.
Good attendance is a predictor of future success
By middle school, chronic absenteeism is a leading sign that a student may drop out of high school. Students who attend regularly are also more likely to graduate and earn more over a lifetime.
All absences matter
It doesn't matter if an absence is for vacation, illness, or another reason; any time missed is lost learning time.
Absenteeism can lead to a cycle
A poor attendance record in the first month of school can predict poor attendance for the rest of the year.
It's not just about high school
The habit of good attendance needs to be built early, with preschool being a critical time to start.