News Summary
Chronic absenteeism has dramatically increased in school districts across California and Florida, particularly since the pandemic. In Orange County, California, absenteeism surged to over 21%, sparking legislative discussions on potential solutions, including proposed bills in Florida aimed at improving attendance and accountability. Education experts stress the need for comprehensive strategies to combat absenteeism, which disproportionately affects students from low-income and immigrant backgrounds, creating serious challenges for educational equity.
Orange County—Chronic absenteeism in California and Florida schools has risen dramatically since the pandemic, prompting discussions among legislators about how to address the issue. In Orange County, California, the rate of students missing 10% or more of school days surged from 7.6% in the 2016-17 school year to a peak of 21.3% in 2021-22 before dropping to 15% in the 2023-24 academic year. This trend mirrors the statewide statistics, where California’s chronic absenteeism rate increased from 10.8% in 2016-17 to a high of 30.8% in 2021-22 and is currently at 20.6% in 2023-24. Despite some improvement, these rates remain a significant concern.
A study by the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) revealed that while there have been drops in absenteeism rates, the levels are still alarmingly high. Chronic absenteeism above 20% disrupts the educational experiences of all students within affected schools. Districts in Orange County, such as Anaheim and the Orange County Department of Education, reported absenteeism rates exceeding 20% during the 2023-24 school year. Other districts like Santa Ana Unified, Buena Park Elementary, and Huntington Beach Union High followed closely, reporting rates that approached the same troubling threshold.
On the other hand, Irvine Unified, Brea-Olinda Unified, and Fountain Valley Elementary were noted for having the lowest chronic absenteeism rates, recorded at below 10%. A notable demographic impact on absenteeism rates is seen in heavily immigrant communities where many students lack legal status, contributing to fears and barriers to attending school. Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, with 72% of high-poverty schools reporting high or extreme levels of absenteeism. Particularly alarming is that Latino students constituted 65% of chronically absent students in California for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years.
The challenges associated with chronic absenteeism are compounded by broader societal issues such as lack of healthcare, transportation, and food insecurity, intensifying educational inequities. Education experts emphasize the necessity for multifaceted strategies from schools and districts, focusing on health, safety, family engagement, and fostering student connectedness to effectively combat absenteeism.
In contrast, Florida is grappling with its own absenteeism crisis. Nearly one million students in the state missed more than three weeks of school last year, resulting in chronic absenteeism rates that have surged above 31% in the latest 2023-24 school year, up from around 20% before the pandemic. The rising absenteeism rate in Florida correlates with declining test scores statewide, as significant drops in reading and math scores have been reported.
In response to the urgent need to address chronic absenteeism, lawmakers in Florida are considering House Bill 13-67. This proposed legislation seeks to create a statewide attendance policy that would enhance accountability for schools and parents. The bill’s provisions include early identification of chronically absent students, routine attendance reports, and mandated meetings between schools and parents to address attendance issues.
Education experts regard this legislative proposal as a crucial step in tackling the underlying problems associated with chronic absenteeism. If the bill is passed, its proactive measures could greatly improve student attendance rates and overall learning outcomes throughout Florida’s school systems.
While school officials in Orange County report steady attendance levels, persistent challenges continue for districts still facing high absenteeism rates. The statistics and trends unveiled from both California and Florida shed light on a national educational crisis that necessitates immediate and concerted efforts to ensure all students have the opportunity to attend school consistently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California’s Declining K-12 Public School Enrollment Crisis
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Empty Chairs at Empty Tables in O.C. Schools
- Orlando Sentinel: Florida Faces Alarming Rise in Student Absences
- Click Orlando: Florida Bill Seeks to Address Chronic Absenteeism
- Wikipedia: Chronic Absenteeism
- Los Angeles Times: How Will Immigration Raids Impact Kids and Schools
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
