Attendance Works
Coverage of Attendance Works in the Nexus archive.
- 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.