Understanding the Rise in School Absences

The impact of the pandemic on education is undeniable, but what’s truly concerning is the lingering effects on student attendance. Chronic absenteeism has surged, with numbers remaining stubbornly high despite the return to in-person learning. In the article A Crisis of School Absences from The New York Times, author Sarah Mervosh highlights the concerning trend of increased chronic absenteeism among U.S. students since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite expectations of a return to normalcy, the rates of absenteeism have remained high across demographic groups. Interviews with educators, researchers, and parents reveal various reasons for this trend, including illness, mental health issues, and changes in the perceived value of education.