Plain English with Derek Thompson Why School Absences Have "Exploded" Across America
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Apr 5, 2024 In this insightful discussion, Nat Malkus, a former teacher and deputy director of education policy at the American Enterprise Institute, delves into the surging rates of school absenteeism, particularly highlighting alarming statistics from D.C. where 60% of high school students are chronically absent. Malkus explores how the pandemic has exacerbated this trend, leading to a cultural shift in attitudes towards education. He offers potential solutions for teachers and lawmakers, emphasizing the urgent need for a cultural change in attendance expectations.
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Pre-Pandemic Absenteeism
- Chronic absenteeism, missing 10% of school days, was a recognized problem pre-pandemic.
- It negatively impacted academic outcomes and high school graduation rates.
Absenteeism Demographics
- Pre-pandemic absenteeism disproportionately affected lower-income, non-white students, and those in single-parent households.
- These disparities correlated with lower academic achievement.
Remote Learning Ineffectiveness
- Remote learning was generally ineffective for students.
- School closures correlated with learning loss, with liberal districts experiencing more closures and loss.