Michigan Schools See Boost in Attendance Rates for Second Year Running

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Michigan schools continue to improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism rates, with the latest data revealing ongoing efforts to engage students and families across the state.

Michigan Schools Make Strides in Attendance, Tackling Chronic Absenteeism Head-On

Lansing, Mi - The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has announced positive trends in school attendance and chronic absenteeism rates for the 2023-24 school year, marking the second consecutive year of improvement. As schools rebound from the pandemic's disruptive impact, the state's focus on consistent student engagement is showing promising results.

Statewide Improvements in Attendance Rates

The latest data reveal a slight increase in Michigan's statewide attendance rate, which rose from 90.5% to 90.8%. Although the gain might seem modest, it signifies an ongoing recovery effort after years of pandemic-related disruptions that caused a significant spike in chronic absenteeism. The chronic absenteeism rate—a key measure that reflects the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year—dropped by 1.3 percentage points, down from 30.8% to 29.5%.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice credited the combined efforts of school staff, students, and parents for the improvements. "Our students need to attend school regularly to maximize their school experiences," Rice emphasized. However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, noting, "Despite our progress, far too many students are chronically absent. We need to work together to redouble our efforts and remove barriers to school attendance."

Diverse Strategies Drive Success Across Local Districts

Michigan's local school districts have employed a range of strategies to boost attendance and reduce absenteeism. From direct outreach like phone calls and home visits to mental health interventions and family conferences, districts have adopted a comprehensive approach tailored to the needs of their communities. These varied efforts reflect a commitment to addressing the root causes of absenteeism, which can include economic challenges, mental health issues, and lingering effects from the pandemic.

Dr. Delsa Chapman, Deputy Superintendent of the MDE Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and Systems Support, highlighted the importance of these local initiatives. "Credit for the improvements in attendance goes to our local school districts," Chapman said, reinforcing the role of community-level action in achieving statewide goals. "We must continue to improve attendance to strongly address Goal 5 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which aims to increase the percentage of students who graduate from high school."

Significant Gains Across Grades and Demographics

The MDE's data also show encouraging trends across various student demographics. Chronic absenteeism decreased across all grade levels and among most racial and ethnic groups, including African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Hispanic, white, and multiracial students. Economically disadvantaged students, who historically face higher absenteeism rates, also showed progress with a 1.7 percentage point decrease, building on an 8.6 percentage point decline from the previous year.

These improvements position Michigan as a leader in addressing chronic absenteeism on a national scale. According to FutureEd at Georgetown University, Michigan recorded the most significant improvement among 42 states and the District of Columbia that released 2022-23 absenteeism data. Over the past two years, the state's attendance rate has climbed from 88.8% in 2021-22 to 90.8% in 2023-24, while chronic absenteeism has dropped from 38.5% to 29.5%, showcasing a substantial 9 percentage point decline.

MDE's Support and Initiatives Prove Crucial

The Michigan Department of Education has played a pivotal role in these successes by providing support and resources to local school districts. Among its key initiatives are the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS). The MTSS integrates education, health, and human services to address the whole child's needs, while EWIMS offers early intervention strategies to prevent dropout rates by closely monitoring student data and implementing tailored supports.

Additionally, MDE's participation in the Attendance Works national project has equipped local districts with tools and research-backed strategies to further combat chronic absenteeism. Through action research and dedicated training for school coaches, MDE continues to empower districts in their ongoing efforts to keep students engaged and in the classroom.

Looking Ahead: Continued Efforts Needed

Despite the positive momentum, both MDE and local districts recognize that there is still work to be done. The focus remains on sustaining and expanding successful strategies, particularly for groups that continue to face significant challenges. As Dr. Rice noted, the goal is not only to maintain the gains achieved but to push further toward ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically by attending school regularly.

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