As a teacher, one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced isn’t just teaching—it’s making sure kids show up. Chronic absenteeism, the silent saboteur of education, has been an issue for years, but it’s reached crisis levels in many places, especially since the pandemic.
Harlem’s District 5, where over half of the students were chronically absent last year, is a heartbreaking example. And while the numbers are grim, the stories behind them are even harder to ignore.
What is chronic absenteeism?
For anyone unfamiliar, chronic absenteeism is when a student misses 10% or more of the school year. That’s about 18 days in most districts. To some, it might not sound like a lot—a day here, a day there—but the ripple effects are massive. Every missed day means lost learning, and for kids already struggling, it’s like digging a hole they’ll never climb out of. This isn’t just about truancy or kids skipping school; it’s about systemic barriers that keep them from the classroom.
Chronic absenteeism is when a student misses 10% or more of the school year.
The faces behind the numbers
I’ve taught kids who missed school for all kinds of reasons. There was Marcus, whose family faced housing instability, bouncing from one shelter to another. He missed weeks at a time because they didn’t have a reliable way to get him to school.
Then there was Sofia, who stayed home to care for her younger siblings while her single mom worked double shifts. And let’s not forget kids like Jamal, who dreaded coming to school because of bullying.
These aren’t hypothetical scenarios; they’re real kids with real struggles. And the pandemic only made things worse. Remote learning was a band-aid for some, but for others, it was the start of a disconnect they’ve yet to recover from. Families faced illness, job loss, and mental health crises, and school attendance understandably took a backseat.
The academic toll
When kids miss school, they’re not just losing out on lessons; they’re losing out on opportunities. Research shows that chronically absent students are less likely to read at grade level by third grade, graduate on time, or go on to college. I’ve seen this play out in my own classroom.
Take Ethan, for example. He missed so many days in second grade that by the time he returned regularly, he was reading at a kindergarten level. It took months of small-group intervention just to get him close to where he needed to be, and even then, he always felt like he was playing catch-up.
But it’s not just academics that suffer. School is a place where kids build friendships, learn social skills, and develop routines. When they’re absent, they miss out on all of that, too. For many kids, school is their safe space, the one consistent thing in their lives. Losing that connection can have long-term effects on their confidence and sense of belonging.
Research shows that chronically absent students are less likely to read at grade level by third grade, graduate on time, or go on to college.
The root causes
So, why are so many kids missing school? It’s a complex web of issues. In Harlem’s District 5, factors like bullying, pediatric illnesses, and transportation problems are common culprits. For vulnerable students—those with disabilities, those living in shelters, or those from low-income families—these barriers are even harder to overcome.
As a teacher, I’ve had to confront these challenges head-on. I’ve driven to students’ homes to drop off work when they couldn’t make it to school. I’ve called parents to brainstorm solutions, only to hear frustration and despair on the other end of the line. I’ve sat with kids who admitted they’d rather stay home than face a bully in the cafeteria. It’s exhausting, but it’s also a reminder of how much more work needs to be done.
What can we do?
Addressing chronic absenteeism isn’t just about getting kids in the door; it’s about creating an environment where they want to be. Here are a few ideas:
Build trust with families
Schools need to partner with parents, not blame them. That means open communication, empathy, and a willingness to meet families where they are. When Marcus’s mom finally felt comfortable sharing her struggles, we were able to connect her with transportation assistance and get Marcus back in class.
Tackle bullying head-on
Kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe. Schools need clear anti-bullying policies, but more importantly, they need adults who enforce them consistently. I’ve made it a point to create a classroom culture where kindness is non-negotiable.
Provide wraparound services
Many absenteeism issues stem from problems outside of school. Offering services like counseling, free meals, and after-school care can make a huge difference.
I’ll never forget the look on Sofia’s face when we set up after-school childcare so she could focus on being a student again.
Celebrate small wins
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. A simple “We missed you yesterday!” can let a kid know they matter.
I’ve also started sending home certificates for improved attendance, and you’d be surprised how proud kids (and their parents) are to receive them.
Use data wisely
Schools need to track attendance patterns and intervene early. Waiting until a student has already missed 18 days is too late. I’ve worked with administrators to set up systems that flag at-risk students so we can step in before the problem snowballs.
A shared responsibility
Chronic absenteeism isn’t a problem schools can solve alone. It’s a community issue, one that requires collaboration between educators, parents, policymakers, and even local businesses. It’s about recognizing that every missed day is a missed opportunity, not just for the child but for society as a whole.
As a teacher, I’ve learned that showing up is half the battle—and I don’t just mean for the kids. We, as adults, need to show up, too. We need to show up for the hard conversations, the creative solutions, and the persistent advocacy it takes to tackle chronic absenteeism.
Because when kids are in school, they’re not just learning math and reading; they’re learning how to dream, how to grow, and how to be part of something bigger than themselves. And isn’t that what education is all about?
(Names have been changed to maintain privacy)
