Sept. 30 is Chronic Absence Awareness Day in Arizona

Governor Katie Hobbs has proclaimed Sept. 30, 2025, as Chronic Absence Awareness Day in Arizona, to recognize that missing too many school days can keep students from making educational progress, and to encourage schools, communities, and families to work together to help boost student attendance and reduce chronic absence to pre-pandemic levels.

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, school attendance is significantly related to student achievement; and

WHEREAS, too many school absences can keep Arizona’s students from reading at grade level by the end of third grade, which is a strong predictor of future academic success, including high school graduation; and

WHEREAS, a student is considered chronically absent when they miss ten percent or more of a school’s calendar year for any reason, excused or unexcused; and

WHEREAS, missing 18 days or more of a typical school year, or just two days a month, means a student is chronically absent and at risk of falling behind in school, much more likely to drop out, and less likely to develop the skills they need for career success; and

WHEREAS, rates of chronic absence in Arizona are almost double pre-pandemic levels, and

WHEREAS, the Arizona Chronic Absence Task Force has set the goal to reduce chronic absence to pre-pandemic levels and developed recommendations and resources to address chronic absence in our state; and

WHEREAS, chronic absence is a problem we can solve through evidence-based strategies that involve schools, communities, and families working together.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Katie Hobbs, Governor of State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2025 as CHRONIC ABSENCE AWARENESS DAY.

Read On Arizona convened the Arizona Chronic Absence Task Force to make recommendations and identify effective strategies to reduce chronic absence in our state.

The Arizona Chronic Absence Resource Guide is 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.