Chronic Absenteeism Remains Stubbornly High In D.C. Schools - DCist
D.C. has some of the highest absenteeism rates in the country when measured against most states. Its pre-pandemic chronic absenteeism rate in 2018-2019 was the second-highest in the country, according to a report by Education Reform Now.
Earlier this month, Jessica Giles, the executive director of Education Reform Now D.C., told DCist/WAMU that challenges vary from family to family but that in some communities, public safety is a “big concern.” Living in Ward 7, Giles said she’s observed an “unease” about getting children to and from school safely.
Giles said investing in more mental health resources and better transportation for students would help boost attendance as well. Schools can also build stronger relationships with parents to encourage students to come to the classroom.
Ultimately, Giles said boosting attendance must be a District-wide effort.
“This isn’t just something schools can address,” Giles said. “My biggest push is that there is a full government urgency around this issue.”
