By Ray Houser
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 18 school days in a year for any reason, excused or unexcused, results in lower academic performance and is a key predictor that a child will not learn to read on time and eventually not graduate from high school.
In the Marysville School District, absenteeism has been a concern. The state average of chronically absent students was 15.8 percent in 2015, compared with the MSD’s rate of 21.8 percent.
The National Assessment for Education Progress developed a state-by-state overview of how students with chronic absences preformed compared with their better-attending peers. Results show students who missed three or more days of school in the prior month had lower average scores in reading and math than students with fewer absences. The scores hold true for students from every state regardless of size, region or make up of student population.
Poor attendance also contributes to the achievement gap when it comes to students struggling with poverty, and students from communities of color. Students eligible for free and reduced meals are 30 percent more likely to miss three or more days of school in fourth grade, and in eighth grade it increases to 40 percent.
The assessment also found that poor attendance in the first month of school might predict chronic absence for an entire year. It shows that absenteeism in kindergarten can affect whether a child develops the grit and perseverance needed to succeed in school, and shows that absenteeism in preschool and kindergarten can influence whether a child will be held back in third grade. Research from John Hopkins University also shows that absenteeism in middle and high school can predict dropout rates as early as sixth grade.
In the MSD, improving attendance is an essential strategy for reducing achievement gaps, and ensuring all students are successful during their K-12 experience and in the next stage of their life. Thanks in part to House Bill 2449, co-sponsored by local state legislator Rep. Mike Sells, our district now has a mandate to make a difference.
In addition to providing support and outreach to parents on the importance of attendance, improving notification systems around unexcused absences; and data-informed, early intervention steps to reduce absences, the bill allows school districts to create Community Truancy Boards to help address absentee behavior.
Marysville and Tulalip can help make a difference. As parents and guardians, relatives, community members and friends of youth, we can help our children get to school and be present. We can help students in our community get excited about their school and the opportunities that come from learning, and we can reassure them that their teachers and friends need them.
We can also help combat bullying by teaching our children how important it is to be kind and respectful to everyone, and we can make a point to report hurtful behavior with SafeSchools (www.msd25.org/ReportBullying). And if we are really passionate, we can join the Community Truancy Board by contacting Christy Mertens at Christine_Mertens@msd25.org or 360-965-2025.
Thank you for recognizing this effort and for all your ongoing commitment to our local students. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of our kids – and our future.
Ray Houser is the executive director of assessment and student services for the Marysville School District.
