School Absenteeism Soars in the Post-Pandemic Era: An Overlooked Crisis

Schools across the nation have reopened their doors after pandemic-induced closures, but a new crisis has emerged – chronic absenteeism.

Since returning to in-person learning, there has been a significant increase in student absences, with over a quarter of students missing at least 10% of the 2021-22 school year. 

The situation in Alaska is particularly dire, with nearly half of all students missing substantial amounts of school, and the rate for Alaska Native students even higher at 56.5%.

These students face challenges such as poverty, limited mental health services, and a school calendar that doesn’t align with traditional hunting and fishing activities.

Heather Powell, an Alaska Native teacher, has highlighted the deep-seated mistrust towards education among these communities, which stems from historical injustices like forced boarding schools.

EdSource partners with AP on deep dive into dramatic spike in kids chronically absent from school post-pandemic. CA rate more than doubles. Exclusive nationwide research by Stanford Prof. Thomas Dee.https://t.co/38IaXTiC3f

— Rose Ciotta (@rose_ciotta) August 11, 2023

The pandemic has also worsened the challenges faced by students with disabilities. In New York, Marisa Kosek’s son James, who has autism, struggled with online learning and a hybrid model.

His transition to middle school was marked by isolation and disinterest, leading him to miss more than 100 days of sixth grade. Despite efforts from his mother, a high school teacher, and various support systems, James continued to experience anxiety and lack of motivation.

Rousmery Negrón, a single mother in Springfield, shared a similar story. Her son, who has learning disabilities, felt unwelcome and unsafe in school post-pandemic.

He ended up missing more than five months of sixth grade, and Negrón’s attempts to keep him engaged in learning were unsuccessful as he struggled to understand the material.

Chronic absenteeism is not only a problem for students with special needs or those in economically disadvantaged areas.

Even high-achieving students, like Renee Slater’s daughter in rural California, have experienced a change in mindset and chose to stay home despite no apparent dislike for school.

AP: Students have been absent at record rates since schools reopened during the pandemic. It has cost kids crucial time in classrooms as schools work to recover from massive learning setbacks. https://t.co/SGwtaBuW37

— Mooha Swartz (@CyberAnonymous) August 11, 2023

Medical and staffing issues have also contributed to this trend. Juan Ballina, a 17-year-old with epilepsy, missed over 90 days of school due to a shortage of trained staff who could administer medication in case of seizures.

The nationwide shortage of school nurses, worsened by the pandemic, left Juan feeling lonely and unmotivated.

The long-term consequences of this absenteeism crisis are alarming. Chronic absences not only result in lost classroom time but also deprive students of meals, counseling, socialization, and other benefits provided by schools.

Students who are chronically absent are at a higher risk of falling behind in reading and eventually dropping out of school.

As we navigate the post-pandemic era, it is clear that this crisis requires immediate attention from educators, parents, and policymakers.

This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.