Chronic absenteeism is an early warning sign for educators. A student who is chronically absent in any year between eighth and twelfth grade is seven times more likely to drop out of school. For high school students, lack of attendance is a better indicator of dropping out than test scores.

Even before the pandemic, Texas had a problem with chronic absenteeism. Texas experienced an increase in chronic absenteeism rates from 11% in 2018-19 to 20% in 2022-23. In the 2022-23 school year 936,201 students were chronically absent. Texas needs better data about chronic absenteeism to address its causes and adequately support at-risk students. Yet, Texas does not currently define chronic absenteeism.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

The pandemic exacerbated chronic absenteeism. More students faced new challenges and educational disruptions. CHILDREN AT RISK recommends the following policies:

• Define chronic absenteeism in the Texas Education code: “A student who misses 10% or more of instructional time within an academic year for any reason is chronically absent.”
• Add chronic absenteeism to the “at risk” category.
• Require TEA to report chronic absenteeism clearly, consistently, and in an easily accessible format to increase transparency and better target student supports.

Learn more and take action in your district!

Sign up for our advocacy alerts, or get in touch with our policy team by contacting Caroline Roberts at croberts@childrenatrisk.org.