A recent report from the education equity nonprofit EdTrust has highlighted Ohio's strong practices in monitoring student attendance. The state received high marks for its policy of requiring schools to track attendance hourly and for collecting chronic absenteeism data twice a year. However, the report also identified a significant area for improvement: Ohio's investment in programs designed to reduce chronic absenteeism is deemed insufficient and potentially unsustainable.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio excels in hourly attendance tracking and data collection.
- One in four Ohio students were chronically absent in the 2024-2025 school year.
- Chronic absenteeism in Ohio charter schools reached one in three students.
- EdTrust criticizes the state's low investment in sustainable programs to combat absence.
- Students who are not chronically absent show significantly higher proficiency in English and math.
Ohio's Current Absenteeism Landscape
Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of class time. This equates to approximately two days of school per month. The impact of such absences is substantial, as students fall behind on critical foundational and advanced skills needed for academic success.
During the 2024-2025 school year, chronic absenteeism affected a significant portion of Ohio's student population. Data indicates that one in four students in Ohio were chronically absent. This figure was even higher in charter schools, where approximately one in three students missed 10% or more of their classes.
Important Statistic
Research demonstrates a clear link between attendance and academic performance. Students who are not chronically absent are three times more likely to be proficient in English and 3.9 times more likely to be proficient in math.
Comparing Ohio's Rates to National Averages
Ohio's chronic absenteeism rate has been a concern, particularly during and after the pandemic. In the 2021-2022 school year, when absenteeism peaked nationwide due to the pandemic's disruptions, Ohio's rate reached 30.2%. This was higher than the national average of 28% for the same period.
While both state and national rates have decreased since then, Ohio's current rate of 25.1% remains a challenge. State officials aim for a much lower rate, with the current figure being double their target.
Understanding Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism is more than just truancy. It includes all absences, excused or unexcused. Factors contributing to it can range from illness and lack of transportation to mental health issues and disengagement from school. Effective strategies require a holistic approach addressing these underlying causes.
Strengths in Data Collection and Monitoring
EdTrust's report specifically praised Ohio for its robust attendance tracking mechanisms. The requirement for schools to take attendance hourly is considered a best practice. This granular data collection provides a clearer picture of student presence throughout the school day, not just at the start.
Additionally, the state's mandate to collect chronic absenteeism data twice a year was highlighted as a positive step. This regular data collection is crucial for identifying trends and informing policy decisions. "For states to make progress toward addressing chronic absenteeism, all stakeholders must have access to useful, accurate, and timely attendance data," the EdTrust report stated.
"For states to make progress toward addressing chronic absenteeism, all stakeholders must have access to useful, accurate, and timely attendance data."
Critiques on Investment and Sustainability
Despite strong data practices, EdTrust expressed concerns regarding the level and sustainability of Ohio's investments in programs designed to reduce chronic absenteeism. The report noted the state's support for initiatives like the "Stay in the Game! Attendance Network." This program, which also receives backing from organizations such as the Cleveland Browns foundation, received $1.5 million in the state budget passed in June.
Ohio has also started focusing on student wellness. This includes the establishment of school-based health care facilities and clinics. One such program, OhioSEE, provides eye exams and glasses to school-aged children. EdTrust acknowledged that these wellness initiatives could help decrease chronic absenteeism by addressing health-related barriers to attendance.
Long-Term Funding Concerns
The core issue, according to EdTrust, is whether these investments can be maintained over time. The report raised questions about the financial sustainability of Ohio's current strategies for reducing chronic absenteeism. Without long-term funding commitments, even effective programs may struggle to make a lasting impact.
Ohio's Wellness Programs
- Stay in the Game! Attendance Network: A state-supported initiative to improve attendance.
- School-based health clinics: Provide accessible healthcare services to students.
- OhioSEE: Offers eye exams and glasses, removing vision as a barrier to learning and attendance.
Lessons from Other States: California's Approach
EdTrust's research included a look at other states' successes in combating chronic absenteeism. California, for example, demonstrated a significant reduction in its rates. During the peak pandemic years of 2021-2022, California's chronic absenteeism rate was 30%. By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, this rate had dropped to 20%.
California's charter schools played a leading role in this decline. Their success was attributed to several key strategies:
- Maintaining excellent attendance data: Similar to Ohio's strengths, accurate data was foundational.
- Offering mental health wraparound services: Addressing students' emotional and psychological well-being.
- Providing extracurricular activities: Increasing student engagement and a sense of belonging.
- Implementing mentorship programs: Offering guidance and support to students.
- Engaging with families: Including home visits to build stronger connections and understand barriers to attendance.
The active engagement with families, including home visits, proved particularly effective in California. This hands-on approach helped schools understand the specific challenges families faced and develop tailored solutions to improve attendance.
The Path Forward for Ohio
Ohio has established a strong foundation with its detailed attendance tracking. The next step, as highlighted by EdTrust, involves ensuring that programs aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism are not only effective but also receive adequate and sustainable funding. By studying successful models like California's, Ohio can explore ways to enhance student engagement, provide comprehensive support services, and strengthen family partnerships to bring its absenteeism rates down to target levels.
Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a comprehensive and sustained effort. It impacts student learning, school funding, and overall community well-being. Continued focus on both data-driven insights and robust, long-term interventions will be vital for Ohio's educational future.
