"Do We Really Have to Go to School?" Surge in Chronic Absenteeism in US Schools Since COVID-19

26% Absenteeism Rate in Public Schools Regardless of Income or Race
Expert: "Now the Relationship with School Has Become Optional"

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, school absenteeism rates have surged in the United States.

The US daily newspaper The New York Times (NYT) reported this, citing a study by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in the US.

According to data analysis compiled by the American Enterprise Institute from 41 states (including Washington DC), 26% of public school students were classified as chronically absent during the last academic year (2022?2023). This is an increase of 11 percentage points from 15% before the pandemic.

In the US education sector, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing more than 10% of total school days in a semester for any reason, or not attending school for two or more days each month.

This phenomenon has intensified in schools in impoverished areas but has also increased similarly in affluent areas, showing up regardless of school district, income, or race. In impoverished communities, absenteeism rose from 19% before the pandemic to 32% in the last academic year, while in affluent school districts, it nearly doubled from 10% to 19% in the 2022?2023 academic year.

The scene of New York public schools in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic [Image source=Yonhap News]

The reasons for absenteeism are diverse. South Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska, explained that “some students from upper-middle-income families take ski trips during the semester or use off-season travel deals to spend two weeks on vacation in Hawaii.”

The NYT reported, “On the other hand, poor students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals often stay home to care for younger siblings, and cases where students miss the bus because their parents both work or there is no car at home also contribute to absenteeism.” Additionally, education authorities in Mason, Ohio, cited an increase in students struggling with mental health issues as one reason for rising absenteeism in affluent areas.

Katie Rosenbaum, a professor of psychology at Duke University’s Center for Child and Family Policy, said, “The relationship with school has become optional,” adding, “Currently, conflicts (verbal or physical aggression) and avoidance (absenteeism) are occurring simultaneously.”

The NYT analyzed, “This trend suggests a fundamental change in the daily lives and school culture of American children,” and noted that US education authorities face a choice between accepting this as the new normal or making strenuous efforts to bring students back to school.

It added that some are “providing clear online options for students who cannot or do not come to school, while on the other hand, efforts are being made to encourage attendance through home visit programs.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.