Key points:
- The consequences of student disengagement and chronic absenteeism are far-reaching
- How bullying contributes to K-12 student absenteeism
- 3 tips to combat chronic absenteeism in high schools
- For more news on student attendance, visit eSN’s Educational Leadership hub
In 2015, as head of a small N-12 school in upstate New York, I learned that Gen Z was predicted to be the first generation of U.S. students who wouldn’t see college as the automatic next step after high school. This insight sparked a year-long project to redesign our high school model. Yet, when I presented my plan for more personalized, applied learning pathways to my faculty, they balked at departing from the ‘tried and true.’
Fast forward to today, and we’re facing a crisis far more urgent than I could have imagined. Students aren’t just questioning the value of college–they’re questioning the value of showing up to high school at all.
Students are casting a silent vote against the current high school model
Recent data from YouthTruth paints a stark picture: During the 2022-23 school year, over a quarter of students were chronically absent across 41 states, with high schools reporting an average 31 percent chronic absence rate. This isn’t just a number–it’s a silent referendum. Our students are voting with their feet, and voting “no” to the current high school experience.
The consequences of student disengagement and chronic absenteeism are far-reaching:
- Lower academic performance and decreased likelihood of graduation
- Reduced future earning potential
- Increased risk of involvement in the criminal justice system
Even more concerning is what YouthTruth calls the “support gap.” While 48 percent of students in 2022-23 cited depression, stress, or anxiety as obstacles to learning (up from 39 percent in spring 2020), only 41 percent reported having an adult at school they could talk to about these issues (down from 46 percent pre-pandemic).
This gap persists despite significant attention to youth mental health issues. It’s a stark reminder that awareness alone is not enough–we need action.
These big picture changes will transform our high schools.
When I couldn’t get my colleagues on board with reinventing high school in 2015, it was because the change felt too big and too radical. Today’s data emphasizes that we no longer have the luxury of incremental change. Here are the key areas where we need to focus our long-term efforts:
- Student-led redesign: Establish task forces that give students real power to audit current school practices and propose changes.
- Data-driven engagement: Implement systems to track not just attendance, but also participation and enthusiasm in classes, using this data to inform school policies and practices.
- Family-school partnerships: Create dedicated teams to build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships between schools and families through two-way school-home communication.
- Flexible learning models: Redesign school schedules to allow for later start times, block scheduling, or other flexible arrangements that better accommodate student needs and learning styles.
- Integrated real-world learning: Develop comprehensive programs that partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning opportunities.
- Restorative justice culture: Implement school-wide restorative practices to replace punitive discipline systems, fostering a more supportive and equitable school community.
As Jonah Schenker, superintendent of Ulster BOCES in New York, wisely notes, “We have a responsibility–because of the nature of BOCES and the flexibility we have–to create a bit of an incubator for some of the areas where we know education needs to change so that we can show by example, point them to other systems making those changes, or create offerings that bring that change in.”
These small steps will kick-start engagement right away.
While systemic change is crucial, we can’t wait for perfect conditions to start improving student engagement. Here are five simple yet impactful actions schools can implement right away to begin moving the needle in positive ways:
- Start every day with a check-in: Begin each school day with a brief, structured check-in session. This could be during homeroom or first period. Use this time for students to share how they’re feeling, what they’re looking forward to, or any concerns they have. This simple practice can significantly boost students’ sense of belonging and connection to the school community.
- Implement “Feedback Fridays”: Set aside time every Friday for students to provide feedback on their learning experiences that week. This could be through a quick survey, a class discussion, or written reflections. Use this feedback to make real-time adjustments to teaching methods and school policies. This shows students that their voices matter and can lead to tangible changes.
- Create a “passion project” hour: Dedicate one hour per week where students can work on self-directed projects related to their personal interests or career aspirations. This gives students autonomy over their learning and helps them see the relevance of school to their lives and futures.
- Establish a peer mentoring program: Pair older students with younger ones for weekly mentoring sessions. This can help build community across grade levels, provide leadership opportunities for older students, and give younger students additional support and guidance.
- Invite local professionals for lunch-and-learn sessions: Once a month, invite professionals from various fields to have lunch with students and share about their careers. This can be done virtually if necessary. These sessions can help students see the connection between their education and future career possibilities and may spark new interests.
These steps don’t require a complete overhaul of the school system, but they can start to shift the culture towards one of greater engagement, relevance, and student voice. They lay the groundwork for more comprehensive changes and send a clear message to students that their school is committed to evolving to meet their needs. Importantly, schools should regularly share the progress and outcomes of these initiatives with families, fostering a sense of partnership and shared commitment to student success.
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every step towards greater student engagement is a step in the right direction.
The writing is on the wall–or rather, in the empty seats of our classrooms. Our students are telling us through their absences that the current system isn’t working. It’s time we listen and act. By engaging students, families, and communities in reimagining the high school experience, we can create schools that students not only attend but actively choose to be part of. The future of our education system–and the success of an entire generation–depends on our willingness to make this change.
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