Chronic absenteeism remains high in South Carolina schools

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant problem in South Carolina schools, even five years after the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 20% of students were absent for at least a tenth of the school year in 2023-24. Although there has been slight improvement since a peak in 2022, the percentage of chronically absent students is still over 60% higher than before the pandemic. The issue is especially severe in poorer districts. Research indicates that lower-income families often face challenges like unreliable transportation and work schedules, making it harder for their children to attend school regularly. For instance, in the Dillon Four district near the North Carolina border, one in three students is chronically absent. Despite slight progress over the past year, the situation remains concerning. The pandemic has intensified these attendance problems. According to a federal analysis, increased absenteeism has significantly impacted students' academic performance, with many districts still lagging behind pre-COVID levels. In districts with high poverty rates, like Dillon Four, students are averaging seven months behind in math and nine months in reading. Educators are working to improve attendance by engaging parents and highlighting the importance of daily school attendance. Some districts are implementing targeted interventions for students who miss classes frequently. Surveys show a gap between parents' perceptions of attendance and reality, with many unaware of their child’s chronic absenteeism. To tackle the issue, schools are encouraged to connect families with community support services and create incentives for students to attend. Although there is no clear understanding of the root causes of chronic absenteeism, it is widely agreed that missing school negatively affects students' learning and future engagement. Recognizing the urgency of the problem, South Carolina officials are planning a public awareness campaign to educate families about the importance of school attendance. Current struggles with attendance continue to show their impact on student learning and test scores. Every day a child misses school is a missed opportunity for learning.