Chronic Absenteeism

All it takes is two days to be Chronically Absent

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

A student who misses 10% or more of their school days, which averages to just two days a month, for any reason, is considered chronically absent. Every absence, excused or unexcused, (including suspensions), is a learning opportunity lost. Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind academically and less likely to graduate from high school. Addressing chronic absenteeism and developing good attendance habits is a solvable problem for which we all share responsibility.

Resources to Promote Attendance

Attendance Awareness Communication Toolkit
The Mississippi’s Department of Education’s Every School Day Counts – Attend to Achieve communication toolkit highlights the benefits of regular school attendance and emphasizes ways to prevent students from being chronically absent. School districts and community organizations can download the toolkit materials to promote regular school attendance. The toolkit includes a poster, flyer and social media graphics:

Attendance Works
Attendance Works provides many resources to aid districts, schools, communities, and families in reducing chronic absenteeism:

Research and Data

Document
 
  • Mississippi Department of Education
    359 N. West St.
    P.O. Box 771
    Jackson, MS 39205-0771
    Educator Licensure: 601-359-3483
    General Information: 601-359-3513
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