Ah, chronic absenteeism—a term that sounds like a fancy medical diagnosis but is actually just a polite way of saying, “Hey, where is everyone?” Picture this: kids missing 10% or more of their school days—about 18 days in a year. That’s like taking a vacation to Bermuda while your buddies are stuck in math class, and let’s be honest, nobody’s getting a tan from geometry.
Starting in the 2017-18 school year, the education establishment decided to tackle this epidemic head-on with the introduction of the Chronically Out-of-School Indicator. Yes, it sounds like a new dashboard warning light for your car. Still, it’s actually a measure of absenteeism, counting all the days kids miss—no matter if they are home with a cold, stuck in a traffic jam, or just pretending to be sick because they can’t bear another day of algebra.
Now, if we are going to solve the mystery of the disappearing students, we need to understand that attendance isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s not a legal issue, but rather an opportunity to know why kids are missing out. Perhaps they are dealing with health issues, transportation problems, or maybe they can’t face another day of cafeteria mystery meat.
The Tennessee Department of Education collects data on unexcused absences, but it’s challenging to determine what truancy really looks like. One district might label a kid truant, while the next district is just giving them a sympathetic nod and a cookie. It’s like trying to compare apples to oranges, if the apples were occasionally missing and the oranges were just…well, confused.
And let’s talk about the wild west we call school policies. Each district has its own rules about what counts as an excused absence. One school might excuse a child for a family vacation, while another might require a doctor’s note. It’s enough to make you wish for a universal attendance code—like a secret handshake that only educators know.
Post-pandemic, absenteeism shot up like it was auditioning for a reality show. We peaked at a staggering 31% in the 2021-22 school year, which felt like a nationwide “Stay Home Day.” Thankfully, we’ve trimmed that down to 28%—progress in the right direction, but still a reminder that we need to put on our detective hats and figure this out.
So, what’s the plan? First, let’s assemble an attendance task force. This should be a group of principals, counselors, teachers, and possibly the school nurse, who is the only one who knows how to deal with all the sniffles. This team will delve into the attendance data to determine who’s skipping school and why.
Next, it’s all about engaging families. We need to reach out to those who might be facing health issues or transportation troubles. A friendly call or text can go a long way—after all, no one wants to be that parent who gets a phone call from the school saying, “Your kid hasn’t been here in three weeks. Are you sure they’re not hiding in the attic?”
And let’s not forget about making school a place kids actually want to be. If we can turn the classroom into a fun zone—think pizza parties, cool after-school clubs, and maybe even a mentoring program—we might find kids lining up at the door instead of sprinting in the opposite direction.
Of course, we need to tailor our interventions. A one-size-fits-all approach is about as practical as an inflatable dartboard. We will need universal support, targeted help for those on the edge of chronic absenteeism, and intensive support for students facing serious challenges.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of community collaboration. Schools can’t do it alone. By teaming up with local organizations and churches, we can create a support network that helps students overcome the barriers preventing them from showing up.
Currently, the national chronic absenteeism rate sits at 23.5%. That’s a lot of empty desks! If we all pitch in, we can encourage kids to return to the classroom where they belong—after all, that’s where the magic happens.
Let’s join forces to tackle chronic absenteeism and transform our schools into vibrant learning hubs. It’s not just a policy issue; it’s a mission-critical issue for our future. Because if we want our students to succeed, they need to be in class, not in their pajamas binge-watching their favorite show.
In the wise words of Stephen Hawking, “Half the battle is just showing up.” Let’s ensure our kids are showing up, learning, and thriving. Because when it comes to education, attendance isn’t just important, it’s everything!
JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
