Battling chronic absenteeism

Abstract

While the principal of a New York elementary school (P.S. 48) took on chronic absenteeism from 2011 to 2013, a research team at the Center for New York City Affairs followed her efforts. The school drove down chronic absenteeism almost 10 percentage points. School staff routinely touched base with students, outside “success mentors” worked with those with attendance issues, and staff reached out to families to help them get their kids to school. But maintaining this level of effort has proven tough for principals in high-needs schools. Although chronic absenteeism is up again at P.S. 48, the principal doesn’t despair. She will pick up her battle against chronic absenteeism in the new school year.