Why we need to address the rise of chronic absenteeism in schools
Chronic absenteeism is a growing problem in schools across the United States. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason, including excused absences. Pre-pandemic the nationwide rate of chronically absent students hovered around 10-12% – in many States, these rates have doubled and tripled. For example, rates of chronically absent students in California in 2021-22 nearly tripled statewide from before the pandemic to record levels: 30% for kindergartners and the state overall, and 42.5% for Black students, the California Department of Education reported Thursday. In Connecticut, the number has doubled to 25%.
Chronic absenteeism can have negative consequences on academic achievement and can increase the likelihood of dropping out of school.
Reasons for the Rise of Chronic Absenteeism
There are several reasons for the rise of chronic absenteeism, including:
- Health Issues: Many students miss school due to health issues, such as chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and physical disabilities.
- Transportation Issues: Students who live in rural areas or who have limited access to public transportation, or who live in 1 car households may have difficulty getting to school.
- Lack of Engagement: Students who are not engaged in school or who feel disconnected from their peers or teachers may be more likely to skip school.
- Bullying: Students who are victims of bullying may avoid school to avoid their bullies.
- Family Issues: Students who have family issues, such as a sick family member, may need to stay home to take care of them.
How Carpooling Can Help Get Students to School
Implementing a school or school district-wide carpooling program is ONE way to address transportation issues and reduce chronic absenteeism.
The benefits of carpooling:
- Increased Access to Transportation: Carpooling can provide students with a reliable way to get to school, even if they live in rural areas or have limited access to public transportation.
- Reduced Cost: Carpooling can help families save money on gas and transportation costs.
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Carpooling can help reduce traffic congestion around schools, making it easier for buses and cars to drop off and pick up students.
- Social Interaction: Carpooling can provide students with an opportunity to socialize with their peers and build relationships outside of school.
- Improved Attendance: By providing students with a reliable way to get to school, carpooling can help improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism.
In the best-case scenario, a district-wide carpool solution will be implemented and can target families of students that are at risk to set up carpools with neighboring families. A solution like Gokid helps district families make these connections easily and securely.
For sure, chronic absenteeism will not be fixed alone by adding a carpool solution. But given that this growing problem in schools across the United States needs to be addressed urgently, carpooling is one way of offering help to students. By increasing access to transportation, reducing costs, and providing social interaction opportunities, carpooling can help not to only improve attendance, but to create a social network for students and families that can also improve a student’s engagement and mental health.
To learn more about our district-wide school carpool program contact schools@gokid.projectwebtec1.com.
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