February 2024: AESA State Examiner

Chronic truancy, the persistent absence from school, poses a significant challenge to the individual state educational system in the United States, particularly in kindergarten through 12th grade. Despite numerous efforts to address this issue, it continues to affect students' academic success and overall well-being. Truancy not only impacts individual students but also strains educational resources and undermines the effectiveness of schools in fostering a conducive learning environment. Understanding the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to chronic truancy is essential for educators, policymakers, and communities striving to ensure every student receives a quality education and has the opportunity to thrive.

Not surprisingly, K-12 absenteeism increased since the onset of COVID-19, and there is evidence it has contributed to lower academic achievement as measured by falling test scores. Improving engagement is key for student success and the broader economy.

The issue of school attendance and chronic absenteeism has taken on such a level of importance that the Council of Economic Advisors tackled the issue in a September 2023 blog post on the Biden-Harris White House website.  The article not only outlined the problem with specific data and evidence but also highlighted federal efforts to address the issue.  These federal initiatives included:

• disseminating grant funds that can resource interventions and supports;
• offering technical assistance to States and districts;
• investing in comprehensive mental health programs for students;
• establishing and strengthening the National Partnership for Student Success, which marshals evidence-backed supports such as tutoring and mentoring to help keep students engaged and on track; and
• encouraging use of remaining Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds set aside for P-12 schools in the American Rescue Plan that can be used towards academic recovery, school attendance and engagement, and other efforts.

The issue is also being tackled by state legislatures across the county.  State responses to chronic absenteeism and truancy over the past few years have varied, but several leading examples below demonstrate innovative approaches aimed at addressing this issue and promoting attendance recovery:

• California's Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS): California has implemented a comprehensive MTSS framework that includes strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve attendance. This approach involves early identification of at-risk students, targeted interventions, and collaboration between schools, families, and community partners to address underlying barriers to attendance.
• New York's Attendance Improvement and Dropout Prevention Initiatives: New York has implemented various initiatives to improve attendance and prevent dropouts, including the "Every Student Present" campaign, which raises awareness about the importance of regular attendance and provides resources to support schools in tracking and addressing absenteeism.
• Oregon's Chronic Absenteeism Reduction Initiative: Oregon has launched a statewide initiative focused on reducing chronic absenteeism through data-driven interventions and targeted supports for students and families. The initiative emphasizes the importance of early intervention and collaboration between schools, districts, and community organizations to address barriers to attendance.
• Texas's Truancy Prevention Programs: Texas has implemented truancy prevention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of chronic absenteeism and promoting attendance recovery. These programs often involve alternative education options, mentorship, and support services for students at risk of truancy.
• Massachusetts's Early Warning System and Intervention Program: Massachusetts has developed an Early Warning System (EWS) to identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism and provide timely interventions to support attendance recovery. The program emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and collaboration between schools, districts, and state agencies to address attendance challenges effectively.

These examples highlight the diverse approaches states are taking to address chronic absenteeism and truancy, underscoring the importance of proactive strategies, collaboration, and targeted support in promoting attendance and academic success for all students.

But the work is not done.  According to a review of research and legislative tracking by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), ninety-four bills were introduced in twenty-eight states during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. Of those bills, 24 (26%) passed, 30 (32%) failed, and 39 (42%) are still pending and making their way through the legislative process.

Arkansas saw the most activity with six separate pieces of legislation that addressed the issues of attendance generally and, more specifically, issues related to chronic absenteeism and truancy.  Other states with multiple legislative measures included Maine (2), Texas (3), and California (4).  The list is rounded out by individual bills in Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia.

The bills that have passed cover a number of key topics that seek to both clarify attendance requirements and address absenteeism:

• Defining excused absences for religious purposes, career exploration, mental or behavioral health reason, pregnancy or parenting reasons, voting or accompanying a parent to vote, or participation in 4-H.
• Clarifying roles of truancy officers and school resource officers.
• Establishing school year start and end dates.
• Setting procedures for documenting attempts to service notice to parents about attendance.
• Requiring local boards of education to establish policies and procedures to address chronic absenteeism.

Clearly, chronic truancy remains a persistent issue in American schools, with far-reaching consequences for students, schools, and society at large. And it is clearly still a front-and-center issue of concern for most legislators. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses early intervention, community engagement, and targeted support for at-risk students and families. One can see how these approaches are manifesting themselves in the various legislative responses. Educational Service Agencies can, and often do, play a significant role in supporting schools and school districts in addressing this issue and other non-academic barriers that contribute to it.

AESA and its members should continue to monitor and inform legislative and administrative agency efforts and related policies and seek opportunities to assist in implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.  Solid policy, coupled with an effective implementation strategy, can help reduce chronic truancy rates and create a more equitable and inclusive educational system where every student has the opportunity to succeed regardless of where they live and attend school.

To access other state government policy and fiscal resources to monitor education and education funding related issues across the fifty states, including those related to truancy and chronic absenteeism, check out:

• National Governors Association - https://www.nga.org/
• Education Commission of the States: https://www.ecs.org/