Did you know being absent from school just two days each month for any reason equates to missing 10% of instructional time and valuable information needed to ensure academic progress? Unfortunately, Washington State ranks among the lowest in the country in regular school attendance. Further, the children and youth most likely to be absent from school are students of color, students experiencing poverty and students experiencing homelessness.
Promoting and supporting regular school attendance is important for all students, but critical for the youth and families we serve at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). This month, please join communities, schools, families and youth across Washington State in supporting school attendance – whether virtual or in-person.
Our partners at Attendance Works provide a wealth of resources to promote school attendance during the pandemic. Visit their website at attendanceworks.org for more information.