The coronavirus pandemic caused huge losses in school-based learning opportunities. Early data shows that chronic absence – missing more than 10% of the work covered in class – puts children in academic danger and is likely to have dramatically increased, potentially doubling in size from 1 of 6 to 1 of 3 students. Black, Latino, and Native American students, students living in poverty, students with disabilities, and English language learners have been especially affected. We know that there’s no such thing as perfect, especially when it comes to attendance. After all, children do get sick or may need to miss school for a number of reasons, including the need to quarantine. To hit the mark of excellence this year, make every day a learning day.
Attending school regularly is essential for students to gain the academic and social skills they need to succeed. Chronic absenteeism leaves third graders unable to read proficiently, sixth graders struggling with coursework, and high school students off track for graduation.
As schools and communities develop and implement their plans to address the academic and social impact of disrupted learning, SCGLR is bringing back the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest.
