Chronic Absenteeism Rises in Atlanta Public Schools

Children engaged in learning at Atlanta Public Schools, emphasizing the importance of attendance.

News Summary

Chronic absenteeism in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has surged to 35% post-pandemic, linked to the city’s affordable housing crisis. Many families, like Jasmine Burke’s, struggle with housing instability, affecting children’s school attendance and academic performance. With nearly 1,900 children experiencing homelessness, APS is implementing targeted initiatives to combat absenteeism, including attendance campaigns and support hubs. The alarming statistics reflect a growing concern over the intersection of housing insecurity and education, prompting officials to seek solutions.

Chronic Absenteeism in Atlanta Public Schools Rises Post-Pandemic Amid Affordable Housing Crisis

In Atlanta, the state of education faces a daunting challenge. Families like Jasmine Burke’s exemplify the struggles many are enduring in the wake of the pandemic and the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Three years ago, Burke moved to Atlanta with her four children, frantically searching for affordable housing options. Unfortunately, their new life led them through a series of motels, where space was severely limited and sharing beds became a norm. Burke relied on driving for Lyft to make ends meet, but the instability of their living situation meant her children could only attend Atlanta Public Schools (APS) sporadically during their first year.

Fast forward to 2023, and a staggering 19,888 APS students have missed over 15 days of school—this alarming statistic highlights a chronic absenteeism issue gripping the district. Reports show that APS now holds a 35% rate of chronic absenteeism, marking it as the highest in the metro Atlanta area. Other districts like DeKalb, Clayton, and Henry are not far behind, with rates of 29%, 27.9%, and 25%, respectively.

Experts are connecting the dots between chronic absenteeism and the post-pandemic affordable housing crisis. A report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition notes that minimum wage workers in Georgia might have to work up to three and a half jobs just to keep up with fair market rent. It’s no surprise that housing instability is affecting children’s attendance at school.

For Burke’s family, the struggle is palpable. Nearly 1,900 APS students experience homelessness, and research indicates that children from low-income families without stable housing often face hurdles academically and socially compared to their peers who have a place to call home. As Burke’s family dealt with housing insecurity, her children’s academic performance naturally began to decline.

Attention to attendance is growing, as highlighted by charity Trowbridge, who points out that missing school has repercussions beyond academic performance. While Fulton County Schools initially faced a daunting absenteeism rate of 37.9%, targeted interventions helped improve this to 22% over a three-year period. A crucial turning point for Burke and her family came when they received housing assistance from Frontline Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in finding stable homes.

In Atlanta, the stakes are high, as state laws permit schools to report families with unexcused absences, potentially leading to fines or even arrests. With the APS chronic absenteeism rate climbing from 21% prior to the pandemic to a staggering 35.4% in the 2022-23 school year, the city is confronted with numerous contributing factors including health issues, housing instability, and escalating mental health challenges.

School officials acknowledge the unique and greater challenges urban districts face compared to their suburban and rural counterparts. However, APS is taking steps in the right direction through a multi-tiered approach aimed at battling absenteeism. Among the initiatives being rolled out are attendance campaigns and individualized student plans, as well as the introduction of an “Everyday Labs” program intended to engage families regarding their children’s attendance.

Furthermore, APS plans to open a Student and Family Support Hub, focusing on providing essential resources for families in need. Schools are also employing various strategies such as attendance rewards and therapy sessions to encourage students to show up for class. Improvements in attendance rates correspond with bolstered support systems, as reported in Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index.

To add to the positive news, APS has successfully reduced out-of-school suspensions, which significantly impact attendance. This move resulted in over 2,000 additional schooldays for students. Trowbridge sets a high bar with an ambitious goal of achieving 98% attendance, underscoring the crucial need for consistent attendance policies and community support.

Burke expressed her gratitude for the assistance her family has received, emphasizing that stable housing is a fundamental requirement for both stability and academic success.