Children are missing from school in alarming rates. Chronic absenteeism represents a growing crisis for society. Kids not in school are not learning. Many are out on the streets causing trouble.
Last year in Leon County 13,000 students missed over 10% of classroom time, 24.1% missed over 21 school days, while middle and high schools report that 50% were chronically absent.
Statewide, the data show that more than 1 million students were absent for 10% or more of the year.
The causes and solutions are complex. The aftermath of COVID and dysfunctional home conditions are at play. Some teens stay home to care for younger siblings. Younger students depend on parents to have them ready for school.
Solutions range from hiring more truant officers to sanctioning parents. A more thoughtful solution is to create classroom conditions so that children want to come to school. When school is boring with hostile conditions, most children will choose not to show up.
Classroom conditions have become more negative as pressure ramps up to score high on tests, while highly effective teachers are replaced by substitutes due to teacher shortages. Joy has left the classroom as creativity is stifled.