As schools across the nation reopened their doors after pandemic-induced closures, a new crisis has emerged – chronic absenteeism.

The return to in-person learning has been marred by record-breaking rates of student absences, with over a quarter of students missing at least 10% of the 2021-22 school year. 

In Alaska, the situation is particularly dire. Nearly half of all students missed substantial amounts of school, with the rate for Alaska Native students even higher at 56.5%.

These students grapple with poverty, limited mental health services, and a school calendar that doesn’t align with traditional hunting and fishing activities.

Heather Powell, an Alaska Native teacher, highlighted the deep-seated mistrust towards education among these communities, stemming from historical injustices like forced boarding schools.

The pandemic has also exacerbated existing challenges for students with disabilities. In New York, Marisa Kosek’s son James, who has autism, struggled with online learning and a hybrid model.

His transition to middle school was marked by isolation and disinterest, leading to him missing more than 100 days of sixth grade. Despite efforts from his mother, a high school teacher, and various support systems, James’ anxiety and lack of motivation persisted.

Rousmery Negrón, a single mother in Springfield, shared a similar story. Her son, who has learning disabilities, felt unwelcome and unsafe in school post-pandemic.

He ended up missing more than five months of sixth grade. Negrón’s attempts to keep him engaged in learning were futile as he lacked understanding of the material.

Chronic absenteeism isn’t just a problem for students with special needs or those in economically disadvantaged areas.

Even straight-A students, like Renee Slater’s daughter in rural California, have shown a change in mindset, choosing to stay home despite no apparent dislike for school.

Medical and staffing issues have also contributed to this trend. Juan Ballina, a 17-year-old with epilepsy, missed over 90 days of school due to a shortage of trained staff who could administer medication in case of a seizure.

The nationwide shortage of school nurses, worsened by the pandemic, left Juan feeling lonely and unmotivated.

The long-term consequences of this absenteeism crisis are alarming. Chronic absences not only cost crucial classroom time but also deprive students of meals, counseling, socialization, and other benefits provided by schools.

Students who are chronically absent are at a higher risk of not learning to read and eventually dropping out.

As we navigate the post-pandemic era, it’s clear this crisis demands immediate attention from educators, parents, and policymakers alike.