

Why School Absences Have "Exploded" Across America
8 snips 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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.