May 14, 2025
Strategies for School Leaders to Increase Attendance and Reduce Chronic Absenteeism [Infographic]
By: David Specht
Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern in schools across the United States. Nearly 14.7 million students, or 29.7%, missed 10% or more of school days during the 2021-2022 school year, up from 25% in 2017-2018.
This staggering 5% increase over the past seven years highlights a serious issue that threatens the academic success and future prospects of millions of students. When students miss significant amounts of school, the repercussions extend beyond the classroom, leading to gaps in learning, decreased engagement, and long-term challenges in both education and career opportunities.
The ripple effects of chronic absenteeism are felt not only by the students who fall behind but also by schools and communities striving to close achievement gaps and ensure equitable access to education. Chronic absenteeism is complex in nature, especially its impact on vulnerable populations, such as low-income students. It's essential for educators and school leaders to address this issue to ensure all students have the chance to succeed. By understanding the challenges and applying effective strategies, schools can help improve student outcomes.
Check out the infographic below for actionable strategies to boost attendance and engagement in your school.
Looking Ahead: Turning the Tide on Absenteeism
The challenge of chronic absenteeism is significant, but it is not insurmountable. With targeted strategies and a commitment to equity, schools can begin to reverse these trends. As Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works, noted, “When you deepen your support and deepen your outreach, we can actually turn these numbers around.” By focusing on the root causes of absenteeism and implementing supportive, data-driven interventions, schools can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
How Otus Can Help Educators Support Chronically Absent Students
Otus progress monitoring plans enable educators to develop customized interventions tailored to the specific needs of chronically absent students. These interventions may include individualized support, counseling services, family outreach, referrals to community resources, and more.
“We’ve started using the Otus platform as an early warning system to see a correlation between lack of attendance and lower performing students. Especially for the teachers, and then when you’re having parent meetings, to be able to sit down with them and show the negative impact that absenteeism can have on students is powerful.”
Stephanie Lammlein
Chief Administrative Officer/Superintendent
,
Bio-Med Science Academy (STEM) School
Watch the video below to learn more about using Otus to ensure every student receives the timely and targeted support they need to be successful.
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