Introduction

Too many school absences can keep a student from learning and making academic progress. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of a school year (18 days or more in a typical school year) for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Across the nation, rates of chronic absence have nearly doubled from pre-pandemic levels, and Arizona is facing its own urgent challenge, with one of the highest chronic absence rates in the country. Nearly one in three of our students are missing this significant amount of instructional learning time, with certain negative impact on their success in school.

But chronic absence is a problem we can solve. There are proven, effective, and inexpensive, strategies to prevent school absences and increase attendance that involve schools, communities, and families working together. Research indicates that if students have strong and caring connections with at least one adult in the school community, and with their peers, they are more likely to come to school.

Read On Arizona convened a statewide chronic absence task force in May of 2023 to explore the problem and identify effective, proactive strategies to reduce rates of chronic absence in our state. Leaders from the Governor’s office, school districts, state agencies, community partners, legislative staff, and education stakeholders have reviewed data, consulted with national experts from Attendance Works, and developed the recommendations and resources presented in this guide.

The Arizona Chronic Absence Resource Guide provides a framework for school administrators to strategically plan and implement evidence-based preventions and interventions to reduce chronic absence from pre-K through grade 12. It is intended to serve as a springboard for schools, districts, charter networks, and community partners to work together on effective solutions to reduce chronic absence in Arizona and ensure more students are attending school, reading at grade level, and making academic progress toward graduation.