ARIZONA NEWS

Here’s what KTAR News learned from chronic absenteeism in Arizona schools

Feb 8, 2023, 4:25 AM

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX — Over the past week, KTAR News reported on an issue prevalent in Arizona schools — chronic absenteeism.

Reporter Griselda Zetino spoke with districts, nonprofits and other professionals about the root of the problem, its rise and what’s being done to reverse the troubling trend.

Here’s what we learned from the four-part series:

Chronic absenteeism spikes in Arizona schools in recent years

Chronic absenteeism is a problem in Arizona.

The issue, defined as missing 10% of the school year, skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with national trends, according to a new report by the Helios Education Foundation in partnership with WestEd.

It looked at K-8th grade students in Arizona and found up to 14% of students were chronically absent before the pandemic. That spiked to 22% — or nearly one in five – in 2021.

COVID pandemic not the only reason for spike in chronic absenteeism

The number of Arizona students missing school has skyrocketed over the last few years. The COVID pandemic isn’t the only reason.

“I think we have to both think about what are the barriers that keep kids from getting to school and what is it that pulls kids to be in school?” Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works, a nonprofit trying to improve school attendance, said.

She said some of the barriers are chronic illness, lack of transportation and unstable housing. What goes on in school can also play a role, including bullying and feeling embarrassed about being behind academically.

How 2 Arizona school districts are tackling chronic absenteeism

Avondale Elementary School District Superintendent Betsy Hargrove was in disbelief when data showed her district had a problem with students missing too much school.

“It’s not about missing a day of school. It is truly about missing 18+ days excused or unexcused over the course of a year,” she told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

About one in five students in her district were considered chronically absent, meaning they were missing 10% or more of the school year. Determined to change that, the district began using a three-tiered system created by Attendance Works, a nonprofit trying to improve school attendance.

Reversing chronic absenteeism rates in Arizona schools will take time

The rate of students missing too many school days spiked following the pandemic in Arizona, and now schools are on the hunt for solutions.

But experts warn it will take some time to see improvements.

“The problem took a long time to get here,” said Terri Clark, state literacy director with Read On Arizona, which advocates for early literacy in the state. “It has only gotten worse, so the solution is not going to happen overnight.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A video screen at a presentation says Maricopa Community Colleges in this file photo. The Maricopa ...

KTAR.com

Maricopa County Community College District proposes property tax rate hike

The Maricopa County Community College District is moving to raise its primary property tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

2 hours ago

Eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway closed near Mesa...

Serena O'Sullivan

Eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway near Mesa closed after crash

Eastbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway near Mesa closed on Tuesday evening, the Arizona Department of Transportation said.

3 hours ago

Dorothy Jean Tillman II graduated ASU at 17...

Associated Press

17-year-old ‘genius’ graduates from ASU with doctorate in integrated behavioral health

Dorothy Jean Tillman II entered college at the age of 10. This year, she earned a doctorate from Arizona State University at 17 years old.

5 hours ago

Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes was sentenced April 29, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one charge of c...

KTAR.com

Man sentenced to 17 years in prison for fentanyl, methamphetamine trafficking scheme in Valley

A Mexican man is facing 17 years in prison for his role in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking scheme in the Valley, authorities said Monday.

6 hours ago

Stock image of the exterior of a prison with concertina wire across the top of a fence in front of ...

KTAR.com

Arizona man sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing preteen girl

An Arizona man was sentenced to life in prison last week for sexually abusing a preteen girl on multiple occasions.

7 hours ago

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma believes the Secure The Border Act is different than SB1070. (Photo ...

KTAR.com

Arizona House speaker says Secure The Border Act different than SB1070, Texas immigration law

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma believes a proposed border enforcement measure that could end up on the ballot this fall is different than heavily contested immigration laws that have previously been implemented statewide and across the nation.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Beat the heat, ensure your AC unit is summer-ready

With temperatures starting to rise across the Valley, now is a great time to be sure your AC unit is ready to withstand the sweltering summer heat.

...

DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Desert Institute for Spine Care is the place for weekend warriors to fix their back pain

Spring has sprung and nothing is better than March in Arizona. The temperatures are perfect and with the beautiful weather, Arizona has become a hotbed for hikers, runners, golfers, pickleball players and all types of weekend warriors.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics: transforming health care in the valley

Midwestern University, long a fixture of comprehensive health care education in the West Valley, is also a recognized leader in community health care.

Here’s what KTAR News learned from chronic absenteeism in Arizona schools