Valley of the Sun United Way has developed materials as part of the Supporting Attendance Across Maricopa County project. These materials include helpful assets and resources to support existing outreach initiatives in the community.
Excessive student absences by the end of third grade can prevent them from reading at grade level, a critical milestone that strongly predicts future academic achievement. Students who fall behind early on are far more likely to drop out of school altogether and struggle to develop the skills necessary for career success.
Monitoring attendance and participation is key to figuring out if students are onboard with lessons or need a little extra push to get there. With absenteeism soaring in Arizona, itβs time for mayors, officials, school boards, and superintendents to shine a spotlight on the importance of showing up by declaring September as Attendance Awareness Month.
The following resources are readily adaptable for state leaders and boards, and national as well as local organizations can utilize these template proclamations to distribute across their networks.
A student is deemed chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the academic calendar, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. This typically breaks down to just two days of missed school per month or 18 or more days in a typical school year.
The Arizona Department of Education's data paints a concerning picture of chronic absenteeism in the state's public schools following the pandemic. In 2022, 32% of students in grades 1-8 were identified as chronically absent - a dramatic surge from just 13% in 2019. While chronic absence decreased in 2023, the latest figures remain double the pre-pandemic rate.
The chronic absence crisis is alarming, but also solvable. Effective, low-cost strategies exist to address this issue, involving collaborative efforts between schools, communities, and families.
Attendance Matters uses consistent messaging to deepen the community's understanding of the importance of attendance. It also provides parents and educators with the information they need for prevention and re-engagement.
Social Graphics (Google Sheets)
Tips and Best Practices (PDF)