The Springfield City School District is proud to announce its participation in the launch of a six-month program through Digital Promise, called Chronic Absenteeism: Insights and Innovation that will engage 19 school districts nationwide in tackling the complex issue of chronic absenteeism.
Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days—surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly doubling during the 2021-2022 school year. In 2023, about 1 in 4 students was chronically absent nationwide. This growing crisis has profound implications for student academic achievement, engagement and future success.
The 19-district cohort aims to address chronic absenteeism with the goal of making school a place students want to be, with clear connections between school and students’ employment and career prospects. This will be a collective endeavor that hinges on the collaboration of schools, families and communities.
“There are several barriers that may impact our students’ ability to be at school including transportation, family obligations or general health and wellness,” said SCSD Superintendent Dr. Bob Hill. “The District has placed great importance on increasing our student attendance at all buildings in recent years through various initiatives, and I am looking forward to the positive collaboration that will result from participating in this cohort.”
The program will familiarize cohort districts with a proven research and development model, connect them with leaders who have implemented impactful attendance tactics and offer support with data analysis, systems and community conditions mapping and student design collaboration. The work will culminate with each district developing a blueprint and tailored action plan.