Chicago's Absentee Crisis: What Works for Attendance?
A new study by the University of Chicago's Consortium on School Research reveals that schools in Chicago can greatly influence student attendance, particularly when it comes to creating a positive school climate. The research found that students who feel safe, have friends at their school, and strong relationships with teachers are more likely to attend classes.
The findings come as an admission from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leadership that too many students are missing out on school days due to various reasons such as mental health issues, homelessness, and lack of transportation. However, it's clear that schools themselves play a significant role in attendance rates.
According to the study, chronic absenteeism – missing 18 or more days of school – has become an astronomical problem for middle school and high school students in Chicago, with about 30% of middle schoolers and 57% of high schoolers being chronically absent last year. This rate is even higher among "very chronically absent" students who miss more than 36 days.
The researchers point out that schools can influence attendance by fostering a positive atmosphere where students feel connected to their peers, teachers, and the school community as a whole. School climate matters, with strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students being key factors in improving attendance rates.
CPS officials have taken note of these findings, acknowledging that they need to take action to address chronic absenteeism. While there is no overall strategy for improvement yet, discussions are underway to potentially fund the creation of a plan.
The study also highlights the importance of in-person attendance in academics. It finds that students who miss more school days tend to perform worse on standardized tests, reinforcing the notion that physical presence in class is crucial for learning.
In conclusion, Chicago's absentee crisis cannot be attributed solely to external factors such as student struggles or family issues; schools themselves can play a significant role in improving attendance rates by creating a positive and supportive environment.
A new study by the University of Chicago's Consortium on School Research reveals that schools in Chicago can greatly influence student attendance, particularly when it comes to creating a positive school climate. The research found that students who feel safe, have friends at their school, and strong relationships with teachers are more likely to attend classes.
The findings come as an admission from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leadership that too many students are missing out on school days due to various reasons such as mental health issues, homelessness, and lack of transportation. However, it's clear that schools themselves play a significant role in attendance rates.
According to the study, chronic absenteeism – missing 18 or more days of school – has become an astronomical problem for middle school and high school students in Chicago, with about 30% of middle schoolers and 57% of high schoolers being chronically absent last year. This rate is even higher among "very chronically absent" students who miss more than 36 days.
The researchers point out that schools can influence attendance by fostering a positive atmosphere where students feel connected to their peers, teachers, and the school community as a whole. School climate matters, with strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students being key factors in improving attendance rates.
CPS officials have taken note of these findings, acknowledging that they need to take action to address chronic absenteeism. While there is no overall strategy for improvement yet, discussions are underway to potentially fund the creation of a plan.
The study also highlights the importance of in-person attendance in academics. It finds that students who miss more school days tend to perform worse on standardized tests, reinforcing the notion that physical presence in class is crucial for learning.
In conclusion, Chicago's absentee crisis cannot be attributed solely to external factors such as student struggles or family issues; schools themselves can play a significant role in improving attendance rates by creating a positive and supportive environment.
. I mean, we're always talking about the importance of education and getting good grades, but it's easy to forget that schools are more than just places where kids learn - they're communities too. When students feel safe, connected to their teachers and peers, and like they belong, they're way more likely to show up to class 
. It's not rocket science, right? But at the same time, it's surprising how often we neglect that stuff in our daily lives 
. I think this study is a good reminder that schools have a huge role to play in helping students succeed - and it's not just about academics, but about building those strong relationships and creating a positive atmosphere 
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. I think thats because schools get a bad rap sometimes - people assume every kid is just "truant" or whatever...but its more complicated than that 
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Schools can do this by offering support systems for students who are struggling, like counseling services or mentorship programs 
. And its not just about the teachers, either - I think parents and staff need to be involved in creating that positive atmosphere too 
. If we can make school feel like a safe space for everyone, I bet attendance rates will go way up 
. We need to support our students, both academically and mentally, so they can thrive in the classroom 
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And don't even get me started on the high schoolers – 57% of them are missing class like it's nobody's business. What's going on with our schools?
it's not just about the grades, they're also missing out on experiences that can help them grow as people. I think the idea of schools being more like communities is really cool 
not just focus on attendance rates.
Chicago CPS is literally failing its students... like what even is the plan here? 
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. Like, yeah no kidding, being in class is important for learning. But what about students who are struggling due to circumstances beyond their control? Don't they deserve some compassion and support? 
Something needs to change, and fast 
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, but it's about time they started taking attendance seriously. And let's be real, 30% of middle schoolers missing that many days? That's just wild 
but then i realized that schools need to do better in supportin their students u know like havin more counselors and stuff 
she always makes time for him even when he's feelin down 
we need schools to prioritize student wellbein over grades rn 
. And it's not just about safety, but also about social connections - when students feel like they belong, they're way less likely to ditch school 
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like, chronic absenteeism is outta control with 30% of middle schoolers missin 18+ days & 57% of high schoolers doin the same thing it's not just about mental health or homelessness its about da environment theyre livin in 
schools need to step up their game by makin sure every student feels safe, connected & supported 
1 in 5 middle schoolers & 57% high schoolers are MIA from class 
What's goin' on Chicago?! 
Schools r the solution not just the problems 
Now not later 
u r goin thru so much stress w/ school & feelin like u r missin out 
if u feel safe n have friends at school, u r more likely 2 show up 2 class 
thats what this study found out 
chronic absenteeism is such a big deal tho 
I think the study got it right, schools need to step up their game to create a positive atmosphere. Students need friends, teachers who care, and a sense of belonging. It's not just about academics, but about mental health too