As the new school year approaches, Georgia lawmakers and educators are turning their attention to a growing concern across the state, chronic absenteeism.
According to the Georgia Department of Education, nearly 20% of students statewide are chronically absent, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. That rate is double pre-pandemic levels and has become a pressing issue for school systems and communities alike.
“It’s troubling to see that 20% of our students are missing three weeks or more of school during the school year,” said Garry McGiboney, who led a statewide study for the advocacy group Get Georgia Reading. “We must get the message out that schools cannot do this alone, parents, community leaders, and others must understand that student attendance matters.”…