Combating Chronic Absenteeism with #AttendanceMattersRI
It’s #Cool2BeInSchoolRI! Recently, we launched our #AttendanceMattersRI campaign to mitigate chronic absenteeism in Rhode Island at Stephen Olney Elementary School in North Providence. Joined by Governor Dan McKee, Mayor Charlie Lombardi, Superintendent Joseph Goho, Principal Anthony Pacitto, and Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year Aimée Couto, among other state, town and school leaders, we emphasized the importance of attending school every day and introduced our new and improved data dashboards for tracking absenteeism rates throughout the state.
Governor of Rhode Island
Dan McKee
Research shows that chronic absenteeism, defined in Rhode Island as missing 10% or more of the school year (typically 18 days a year or two a month), is associated with a number of negative consequences for students, including lower achievement, disengagement from school, course failure, and an increased risk of dropping out. Our new data tools and incentives will shed a light on attendance trends and help schools, districts, and the larger community develop targeted interventions to make sure #OurKids are in school.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are transforming the way we address student attendance. To truly move the needle and improve student outcomes, everyone – from community organizations to pediatricians to local businesses – needs to join in this statewide campaign and ensure our families understand the importance of regular attendance. To read more about our #AttendanceMattersRI campaign, click here.
In partnership,
Commissioner of Education – RI
Angélica Infante-Green