Chronic Absenteeism

“I’m Here!” – Helping Washoe County Students Get Back to Class

Chronic Absenteeism: A Fixable Problem
Every day, chronic absenteeism prevents thousands of Washoe County students from gaining a solid footing on their lives. Defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, chronic absenteeism disrupts a child’s chance to learn, grow, and connect simply because they’re involuntarily missing school.
“I’m Here!” Puts Resources Into Results
Thanks to proven strategies and community support, the Washoe County School District has seen remarkable progress in reversing this trend. In just this school year, district-wide efforts reduced chronic absenteeism by 4%, bringing 2,400 students back to their classrooms.

“Thirteen of our middle schools saw improved attendance from SY22-23 to SY23-24!”

Dr. Paul LaMarca, WCSD, Chief Student and Family Supports Officer

Raise Your Hand & Donate to “I’m Here!”

Students Are Missing School: Why?

Barriers

Chronic and acute illness
Family responsibilities or home situation
Trauma
Poor transportation
Housing and food insecurity
Inequitable access to needed services
System involvement
Lack of predictable schedules for learning
Lack of access to tech
Community violence

Scarcity Issues

Shortage of personalized academic and behavioral supports
Generalized classroom instruction
No meaningful relationships to adults in the school (especially given staff shortages)
Lack of enrichment opportunities
Failure to earn credits
Need to work

Disengagement

Struggling academically and/or behaviorally
Unwelcoming school climate
Social and peer challenges
Anxiety
Biased disciplinary and suspension practices
Undiagnosed disability and/or disability accommodations
Caregivers had negative educational experiences

Misconceptions

• Absences are only a problem if they are unexcused
• Missing 2 days per month doesn’t affect learning
• Lose track and underestimate TOTAL absences
• Assume students must stay home for any symptom of illness
• Attendance only matters in the older grades
• Suspensions don’t count as absence

Proven Strategies That Work

Before and Afterschool Programs

Students who participate in afterschool programs are half as likely to skip school and three times more likely to graduate high school.

Positive Engagement

Create a culture of attendance by taking a positive approach to absenteeism that is centered on belonging and engagement to help everyone understand why daily attendance matters in PreK-12th grade. Ensure that students – especially those who are chronically absent – benefit from a whole-child approach that includes enrichment activities and addresses health and educational needs.

Awareness Campaigns

Researchers found that alerting parents to how many days their children had missed was most effective, reducing total absences by 6 percent and the share of students who were chronically absent by 11 percent when compared to similar students not involved in the study.

Re-engagement Specialists & Attendance Officers

A recent report by America’s Promise Alliance shows that students in our highest need communities typically experience “relationship poverty,” which greatly increases the odds that they will dropout. The research showed that having a caring adult in their lives was a major counter force to dropping out. Having a caring adult in school had the largest impact of all – reducing the likelihood of leaving school by 25%.

These efforts are already succeeding, and not just in Washoe County. School districts around the country are experiencing outstanding results after putting similar positive programs into place. The Education Alliance of Washoe County is committed to helping our district’s teachers, principals and administrators welcome kids back to school daily. Contribute to “I’m Here!” and help a student get back to class.

Raise Your Hand & Donate to “I’m Here!”