Attendance Information and Resources for Parents
Partnerships between families and teachers are important for helping children arrive on time, every day. By having frequent communication with your child’s teacher, you can gain information that will help you help your child arrive at school, every day, ready to learn. Please see the resources below for tips and more information regarding your essential role in this partnership.
Attendance Matters
Attendance is an increasing focus of attention among school divisions and educators. According to research, regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success:
- Chronic absenteeism correlates to low academic achievement.
- Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates.
- Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Based on a 180-day school year, that means approximately 18 days per year or 2 to 3 days per month. Missed instruction, regardless of the reason, can have significant academic consequences.
Resources
For tips on making sure your child arrives on time at school every day, check out these flyers.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
Find out about Governor Youngkin's statewide Chronic Absenteeism Task Force.
To learn more about how schools and divisions are addressing chronic absenteeism and to access Virginia Code and regulations relevant to attendance and absenteeism please visit the Attendance and School Engagement page from the Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness.