Missing Out: Chicago’s Chronic Absenteeism Challenge

Missing Out: Chicago’s Chronic Absenteeism Challenge

Date: Tuesday November 19th 2024

Time: 9-10 a.m. Refreshments available from 8:30 – 9 a.m.

Location: Impact House, 200 W. Madison, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606

Description: Join A Better Chicago, University of Chicago Education Lab, and a panel of experts for a robust conversation about why chronic absenteeism has continued to persist in Chicago and nationally; why addressing the issue is critical for our city, system, and young people; and promising, evidence-based solutions to combat the crisis and improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of our communities.

Our panel of experts will be moderated by A Better Chicago's CEO Beth Swanson and includes:

• Dr. Monica Bhatt, Senior Research Director, University of Chicago Education Lab

• Bogdana Chkoumbova, Chief Education Officer, Chicago Public Schools

• Jasmine Gilstrap Hunter, Executive Director, Lion's Pride

In Chicago, like many major cities, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt today. While students have made gains in reading and math performance, there is no issue “as stubborn and pervasive as a sharp increase in student absenteeism,” according to a recent New York Times article. In 2023, almost 40% of Chicago Public School students were considered chronically absent, with Black and Latinx students facing disproportionally high rates of school absences.

While absenteeism itself is a troubling trend, the implications reach far beyond educational attainment: research shows that irregular school attendance can be a predictor of high school drop-out, which has been linked to poor labor market prospects, diminished health, and increased involvement in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, according to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, not completing high school increases a young person's likelihood of becoming involved in gun violence. A comprehensive, research-backed approach to keeping Chicago’s youth engaged and connected to school is imperative to improve grades, increase economic mobility, and to prevent violence.

With this in mind, we hope to convene educators, nonprofit leaders, researchers, and more to deepen our understanding surrounding this issue and exploring tangible, data-driven solutions to address it.

Host or Publisher A Better Chicago