New data shows only 5% of parents find students' chronic absenteeism a major concern

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Educators are sounding the alarm about a major problem facing nearly one in every three students in Kentucky — chronic absenteeism.

Chronic absenteeism, which is defined as students missing 10% of the school year, has more than doubled since after the pandemic.

Now, new polling data shows most parents don't even know what chronic absenteeism is, and don't see it as a major concern.

For the 2022-23 school year, the Kentucky Department of Education shows 30% of all students were considered chronically absent in the state. Jefferson County Public Schools students were above the state average.

Experts say the uptick in the number of students being chronically absent also aligns with drops in reading and math scores nationwide.

This week, NPR and IPSOS released a new poll showing only 5% of parents found chronic absenteeism or missing large amounts of school as a major concern.

Only 6% of parents thought their children fell into this category, when in reality the national average is about one in four students, according to the report.

There is also a misconception about excused versus unexcused absences. The KDE said students who miss just two days per month, for any reason, are likely to fall behind in school.

As for why chronic absenteeism is on the rise, experts point to a number of factors, including issues with bullying or mental health, transportation and family challenges.

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