Absenteeism requires new approach

As chronic absence rates skyrocket, new standards for students must be set

Editorial Board|May 23, 2023

WikiMedia

School seeks solution to high absence rates in post-pandemic environment, with students missing large numbers of classes

Every year brings changes to New Trier: new classes, new students, different social trends, and more. But this year a particular development stands out: fewer students in the building.

Chronic absenteeism, the share of students who miss 10% or more of school days, has spiked this year at New Trier. According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, 25.6% of New Trier students are chronically absent this year, up from 9.5% in 2019. Furthermore, the rates are particularly high among the senior class, with a reported 38% of seniors chronically absent.

While this trend isn’t unique to New Trier, it’s also not acceptable. We believe that both the school and students need to do more. 

During the pandemic, students and parents alike became accustomed to not going to school, not going to work, and spending a lot of time at home. However, those days are now over. It’s been nearly two years since New Trier went fully in person, and it’s time for people to attend school regularly.

Historically, chronic absenteeism has been higher in lower income districts where students lack reliable access to transportation. New Trier does not fit either of those descriptions, yet our rates have soared nevertheless.

These numbers are reflected by empty seats in our classrooms. And it’s not fair for teachers to have to track down students who won’t give them the minimum respect of showing up.

So what can be done?

We believe, for starters, that the school needs to change the policy on excusing absences. It’s too easy for parents to excuse an absence on PowerSchool with just a few clicks, and many students can simply do it themselves. Instead, after five absences, parents should be required to explain why they are occurring to the school. 

Students who miss 20% or more of classes for a quarter or a semester should be dropped from their class. If kids are unable to show up regularly, they shouldn’t be receiving credit.

There also needs to be more direct communication between administrators and parents, and also with students on what the expectations are. The Department of Education has found that strategies such as home visits—which would be from advisors at New Trier—are effective in reducing chronic absence.

Of course, not all students need the help: three quarters of students are showing up to school regularly. Like anything, absenteeism is a complicated issue, and it defies easy solutions. But what is clear to us is that more needs to be done. It’s time to get back to school.