Chronic absences are a significant issue in schools, defined as the percentage of students who are absent for at least ten percent or more of school days, provided they have been enrolled for at least ten days. A student is considered absent if they are not physically present on school grounds and are not participating in instruction or instruction-related activities at an approved off-ground location for the school day. This includes absences for any reason, such as illness, suspension, or the need to care for a family member, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. In the 2022-23 school year, baseline data indicated a statewide chronic absenteeism rate of 30%. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has set an ambitious three-year target to reduce this rate to 15%.
To address chronic absenteeism, MSDE has implemented several initiatives including establishing a State Attendance Task Force to lead efforts in improving attendance rates across the State, and collaborating with Attendance Works, a national organization dedicated to reducing chronic absenteeism, to leverage their expertise. By analyzing data from the Maryland School Survey, MSDE aims to understand how school climate impacts attendance. Additionally, the Maryland School Mental Health Response Team is utilized to support students' mental health needs, which can significantly affect attendance. MSDE is also identifying effective strategies used by Community Schools to reduce chronic absences and sharing these strategies with other schools.
To further support schools, MSDE has offered two workshops focused on reducing the spring attendance slide and improving attendance for students who are at risk of becoming chronically absent.
Practical resources are provided through the development of two toolkits: the
Spring Attendance: Early Action Toolkit, which was recently released, and the Beginning of the School Year Toolkit (to be released in summer 2025), which offer actionable steps for schools to take in improving attendance. Finally, MSDE is exploring updates to policy, guidance, and regulations to modernize Maryland’s approach to attendance and absenteeism, ensuring that the state's strategies are effective and up-to-date.
Through these multifaceted efforts, MSDE aims to create a supportive environment that encourages regular school attendance and addresses the root causes of chronic absences.
Contact:
Mary L. Gable
Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Student Support and Federal Programs
Office: (410) 767-0275
mary.gable@maryland.gov