Kotek proclaims September 2024 ‘Attendance Awareness Month’

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is taking on chronic absenteeism in Oregon schools and declared September 2024 “Attendance Awareness Month.”

The Friday, Sept. 6 proclamation comes at the end of the first or second week of school for many Oregon students.

“Regular school attendance is essential to students’ sense of belonging, achievement and graduation, and we are committed to dedicating resources and attention to reducing chronic absenteeism rates,” said Kotek in the proclamation.

Chronic absenteeism is a struggle that many public schools have faced following classroom closures and distance learning during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Oregon, students who attend at least 90% of classes count as “regular attenders.” During the 2018-19 school year, 80% of all Oregon’s students counted as “regular attenders.” In 2022-23, that percentage had fallen to an average of 62%.

“I am mission-focused on finding ways to improve educational outcomes for Oregon students, which means finding the cracks in our system that students may fall through,” Kotek said in a press release. “We can’t provide quality education unless we make sure we get the kids to school. When a child is chronically absent, not only do they miss out on the daily learning they need to succeed, but schools aren’t able to provide services, support, or intervention.”

Kotek was echoed by Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams, teachers, administrators and education advocates who joined her at the proclamation signing and announcement.

“We know that consistent attendance is key to student success. When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to learn, grow, and connect,” said Williams in the press release. “This initiative is a call to action for all of us—educators, parents, and community members—to prioritize attendance and to ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to thrive.”