Florida Schools Battle Rising Student Absenteeism with Legislation and Innovation

Florida's education system is grappling with a significant rise in chronic absenteeism among students, a trend that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data indicates that nearly one-third of students statewide missed at least 10% of the 2023-2024 school year, a substantial increase from pre-pandemic levels.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has become a pressing concern for educators and policymakers. In Lake County, 37.7% of students were chronically absent; Marion and Orange counties reported 35.2%; Osceola County had 34.9%; and Volusia County reported 34.1%.

The surge in absenteeism has been linked to declining academic performance and reduced college enrollment rates. A study by the Helios Education Foundation and the Central Florida Education Ecosystem Database (CFEED) examined chronic absenteeism among 82,118 high school seniors in Osceola and Orange counties over five school years. The study found that chronic absenteeism increased from 23% in 2017 to 33% in 2022—a 43% rise. Repetitive chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10 or more days in four or more school years, was associated with lower academic performance in accelerated courses and reduced enrollment rates at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Students with fewer absences enrolled at UCF at rates more than double those of students who were repeatedly chronically absent.

In response to rising absenteeism rates, Florida legislators have introduced bills such as House Bill 13-67, filed by Representative Erika Booth of Osceola County. This bill aims to establish a statewide attendance policy and enhance accountability measures for schools and parents. Key provisions include early identification of chronically absent students, mandatory attendance reporting four times per year, and prohibiting out-of-school suspensions as a punishment for attendance issues.

Some school districts are implementing innovative strategies to combat absenteeism. Chiles Academy in Volusia County, catering to teen mothers, adopted a four-day school week, resulting in approximately 40% fewer daily absences. Principal Abby Ferguson noted that the extra day allows students to schedule work time or engage in "Mommy and Me Time," which has been beneficial for student engagement.

Additionally, the Brevard County School District is considering a year-round school calendar, also known as a balanced school year, to address absenteeism. School Board Chair Megan Wright, a proponent of this model, highlighted potential benefits such as reducing childcare expenses for families and preventing student burnout through more frequent breaks.

The surge in chronic absenteeism has broader societal implications, including potential declines in workforce readiness and economic productivity. Students who are chronically absent are at a higher risk of dropping out, which can lead to reduced earning potential and increased reliance on social services. Addressing absenteeism is crucial for ensuring equitable educational opportunities and fostering a well-prepared workforce.

As Florida continues to grapple with this issue, a multifaceted approach involving legislative action, innovative school policies, and community engagement appears essential to reverse the trend and support student success.