States try new measures to get chronically absent students back to class

States are stepping up efforts to tackle chronic student absenteeism with new strategies, including stricter monitoring and public disclosure of absence data. This move comes as they develop updated guidance on effective interventions and consider harsher penalties for parents and guardians of frequently absent kids. The urgency behind these measures highlights the growing concern over the impact of chronic absence on students' academic performance and future opportunities. This shift signals a broader recognition of the need for collaborative community efforts to address this pervasive issue.