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

At least six states are now taking aggressive steps to tackle chronic student absenteeism, enacting new laws that mandate monitoring of absences, public data releases, and enhanced guidance on effective interventions. These measures also include stricter penalties for parents and guardians of chronically absent students. Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue impacting student success and academic achievement, so these proactive policies aim to ensure students receive the education they need and deserve. The new laws reflect a growing recognition of the serious consequences of absenteeism on long-term educational outcomes.