South Carolina education leaders have announced plans to conduct a study on chronic absenteeism in the state’s public schools to better understand the magnitude of the problem. The study comes as concerns grow over the impact that frequent absences can have on students’ academic performance and long-term success.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, which equates to about 18 days in South Carolina. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Education, nearly 12% of students in the state were chronically absent during the 2019-2020 school year. However, experts believe that the actual number may be even higher due to challenges in tracking and reporting absenteeism accurately.
The study will examine various factors that can contribute to chronic absenteeism, such as health issues, transportation barriers, and family circumstances. It will also explore potential solutions to help reduce absenteeism and ensure that all students have access to quality education.
Education leaders hope that the findings from the study will inform policy decisions and interventions to address chronic absenteeism effectively. By understanding the root causes of absenteeism and implementing targeted strategies, schools can better support students and improve their overall academic outcomes.
Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in the study by sharing their perspectives and experiences with absenteeism. Together, stakeholders can work towards creating a supportive and engaging school environment that motivates students to attend regularly and participate fully in their education.
Overall, the chronic absenteeism study aims to shed light on the problem and pave the way for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in South Carolina’s public schools.
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