Nearly 35% of NYC Public School Students Chronically Absent

A recent report reveals that over 300,000 students in New York City public schools were chronically absent during the 2023-24 school year, a significant increase from 26.5% before the pandemic to 34.8%. This trend has raised concerns about student learning outcomes, especially since proficiency levels in critical subjects like math and reading remain low despite increased education funding, with spending per student reaching $36,293. The rise in absenteeism is attributed to a shift in parental attitudes towards attendance and ineffective state interventions, as New York has removed chronic absenteeism from its school performance metrics. The issue is particularly severe among vulnerable demographics, including low-income and disabled students. To counter this growing problem, experts recommend implementing public awareness campaigns and targeted school interventions to improve attendance. The report underscores that addressing absenteeism is crucial for tackling broader educational challenges, such as learning loss.