Chronic Absenteeism Among New York Students: A Growing Concern
New York State Comptroller Examines Post-Pandemic Surge in Chronic Absenteeism
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli examined the post-pandemic surge in chronic absenteeism among students in New York in a new report released October 5. The report found that during the 2022 to 2023 school year, about 33% of students missed at least 10% of school days.
Understanding Chronic Absenteeism
Ten percent of the 180 instructional days that the state requires of schools is 18, something like three and a half weeks of school. Such low attendance causes learning loss, lower grades, and a higher risk of dropping out, per the comptroller report. Poor attendance also means that kids miss more meals and lose access to health programs, DiNapoli’s report said.
Demographic Breakdown
Across all ages, the report clocked repeated truancy among almost one-third of all students, with the rate for high schoolers more common, just past 34%. In large cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, chronic absenteeism topped 64%.
Theories and Solutions
Although it spiked during COVID, rates during the 2022 to 2023 school year were still higher than before. DiNapoli theorized that for parents, "after the pandemic period of remote and hybrid instruction, perceptions of required attendance may have shifted." Education advocates point out that high-need districts in the report, mostly serving poor Black and brown students, have faced years of underfunding.
Policy Recommendations
The report recommends that schools and after-school programs should share data so that it’s easier to identify which students need more help. It also suggests that schools should invest in instruction that’s high-quality, culturally responsive, and engaging, and provide meal programs and more before-school activities.
New Attendance Indicator
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will use a new Attendance Indicator to reduce absences starting in the 2025 to 2026 school year. The new way is supposed to help schools tailor plans for those at risk of chronic absence. It gives all students—not just those who are chronically absent—a performance level based on attendance.
Conclusion
Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern in New York, with 33% of students missing at least 10% of school days. The post-pandemic surge in chronic absenteeism is a complex issue that requires a personalized approach. Education advocates are calling for increased funding, policy changes, and a focus on high-quality, culturally responsive instruction.
FAQs
Q: What is chronic absenteeism?
A: Chronic absenteeism is when a student misses at least 10% of school days.
Q: What are the consequences of chronic absenteeism?
A: Chronic absenteeism can cause learning loss, lower grades, and a higher risk of dropping out.
Q: Why is chronic absenteeism more common in high-need districts?
A: High-need districts, mostly serving poor Black and brown students, have faced years of underfunding.
Q: What is the new Attendance Indicator?
A: The new Attendance Indicator is a formula that will help schools tailor plans for those at risk of chronic absence. It gives all students—not just those who are chronically absent—a performance level based on attendance.
