A Path for Better School Attendance: Where Michigan Leads and Where It Can Go Further
Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school days within an academic year, including both excused and unexcused absences. Chronic absenteeism can be an indication that a student is disengaged from their education environment and/or that they may be experiencing non-academic challenges in their school, community, or home.
Reducing chronic absenteeism requires evidence-based strategies that help students attend school consistently and feel connected to their learning environment. By investing in proven practices to identify and re-engage chronically absent students, states and districts can create sustainable change that benefits both students and school communities, especially those with the greatest needs.
EdTrust’s new scan, How Are States Handling Chronic Absenteeism, shows Michigan has several key pieces in place to tackle chronic absenteeism: the state requires daily attendance tracking; reports chronic absenteeism annually; makes disaggregated data available via MI School Data; and uses an Early Warning Indicator System (EWIMS) that integrates with multi–tiered system of supports (MTSS) so educators can act early for students at risk. The scan also notes targeted investments (e.g., programmatic supports in parts of the state) that Michigan districts can learn from.
Yet, Michigan currently lacks a clear, statewide policy agenda centered on reducing chronic absenteeism and a plan for financial sustainability of proven strategies, according to the scan. There’s also been little recent movement on adopting stronger, evidence-based discipline guidance, which is an opportunity to keep students connected to learning and out of exclusionary practices.
For advocates, district leaders, and partners, this new resource lays out concrete opportunities, including strengthening statewide guidance, ensuring ongoing funding, scaling family engagement, improving transportation access, and other interventions that work. Dive into the Michigan findings here: Chronic Absenteeism – EdTrust
