Arizona Recognizes Sept. 25 as Chronic Absence Awareness Day

September 25, 2024

Literacy News

Read On Arizona’s Statewide Task Force Provides Recommendations and Resources With Goal to Reduce Chronic Absence to Pre-Pandemic Levels

Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed Sept. 25, 2024, as Chronic Absence Awareness Day in Arizona to recognize the significant, negative impact that missing school has on students’ educational progress and spotlight new tools to help schools, districts, and communities boost attendance and reduce chronic absence.

Arizona has one of the highest rates of chronic absence in the country. Nearly one in three of Arizona students are chronically absent, which is defined as missing 10% or more of a school year for any reason, excused or unexcused. Too many school absences can keep students from making academic progress, and students who fall behind are much less likely to graduate or develop the skills they need for career success.

“Chronic absence has more than doubled since the pandemic,” said Lori Masseur, early learning director at Read On Arizona. “But it is a problem we can solve.”

Task Force Recommendations

Read On Arizona formed a statewide chronic absence task force in 2023 to explore the issue and identify effective, proactive strategies to reduce the rates of chronic absence in our state. Leaders from the Governor’s office, school districts, state agencies, philanthropic and community partners, legislative staff, and education stakeholders reviewed data and consulted with national experts.

Chronic Absence Awareness Day marks the release of the task force’s recommendations, Back To School, Back On Track, outlining the collaborative efforts required to achieve Arizona’s ambitious goal to reduce chronic absence to pre-pandemic levels by 2030.

“Statewide efforts to tackle chronic absence are necessary and important,” said task force member Dr. Scott Hagerman, superintendent of Tanque Verde Unified School District, “because their short- and long-term impacts lead to student success in and out of the classroom.”

Chronic Absence Resource Guide

Read On Arizona has also developed the Arizona Chronic Absence Resource Guide, a comprehensive framework for school administrators to strategically plan and implement evidence-based preventions and interventions to reduce chronic absence from pre-K through grade 12.

“The Arizona Chronic Absence Resource Guide is intended to serve as a springboard for schools, districts, charter networks, and community partners to work together on effective solutions to ensure more students are attending school, reading at grade level, and making academic progress toward graduation,” said Masseur.

The guide is part of a new, leading-edge educational resource, LitHubAZ.org, developed by Read On Arizona to support educators, community partners, and Arizona families in identifying effective, developmentally-appropriate strategies to help children develop literacy skills from birth to grade 12.

“Literacy powers learning. There is no higher priority than making sure our students are proficient readers,” said Terri Clark, Arizona literacy director at Read On Arizona. “LitHubAZ is a free resource for everyone who plays a role in helping Arizona’s students be successful in school.”