Chronically Absent: A Generation of Students Missing in Action
Chronic absenteeism is becoming an increasingly significant challenge in Dutchess County and the broader Hudson Valley region. This alarming trend has been exacerbated by various factors, including poor health, limited transportation, and a lack of safety, which have profoundly impacted student learning and achievement in the area. Educators in the region, such as those at Fort Hamilton High School, are working to combat the issue by focusing on getting students through the school doors every morning.
Recent data reveals that the rate of chronic absenteeism in the United States has seen a marked increase in the 2021–22 school year, with the proportion of students attending schools with “high” or “extreme” rates of chronic absenteeism rising from 26 percent in the 2017–18 school year to 66 percent during the 2021–22 school year. This alarming trend has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities and areas of poverty in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley.
Educators in the region are working to address the issue by focusing on getting students through the school doors every morning. This involves working closely with families and communities to understand and overcome the obstacles that prevent students from attending school consistently.
The negative impact of absenteeism on student learning and achievement cannot be understated. When students miss school frequently, they risk falling behind academically, socially, and emotionally. This can lead to long-term consequences for their educational and career outcomes, making it essential to address absenteeism in order to ensure that students in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley receive the support and education they need to succeed.
Efforts to combat the issue are underway, with a recent announcement revealing that the Hyde Park School District has received a $3.5 million grant to support initiatives aimed at improving student attendance and reducing absenteeism. Superintendent Dr. Pedro Roman and Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services Melissa Lawson applied for the grant with the intent of providing wraparound support for students so that they can thrive.
“To determine what specific supports we need to close the opportunity and achievement gap, we will create a logic model and in parallel undergo a strategic planning process that engages our community in building a blueprint for our District’s future,” Roman said.
This funding will be used to implement a range of strategies to address the underlying causes of absenteeism, such as providing additional resources for families in need, improving transportation options, and enhancing safety measures in schools.
While this funding is a step in the right direction for the school district, the public initiative around absenteeism has not been updated in about 9 years. In a slideshow posted and released on the F.D. Roosevelt High School school website, they outlined that they must launch “Local initiatives to raise public awareness about the causes and effects of chronic absenteeism, including awareness among families and youth.”
Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of conversation in the district regarding how to tackle the issue and launch initiatives against absenteeism after the rates have drastically increased.
The problem of chronic absenteeism in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. With the support of the community, educators, and funding from grants such as the one received by the Hyde Park School District, there is hope that the region will be able to tackle this challenge and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.
The issue of chronic absenteeism in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to address. With the support of the community, educators, and funding from grants such as the one received by the Hyde Park School District, there is hope that the region will be able to tackle this challenge and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically and beyond.
