"Data shows that chronic absenteeism—when students miss 10 per cent or more of the school year—has risen 75 per cent in elementary schools between the 2018-19 and 2024-25 school years. In secondary schools, chronic absenteeism increased by 52 per cent. During that same time period, the number of elementary school students grew by 13 per cent, while secondary school enrolment rose by 12 per cent."
"Meanwhile, unexcused absences rose by 92 per cent for elementary school students, and 41 per cent for secondary school students. Sick calls have also spiked. There was a 72 per cent increase in elementary school students who had excused absences due to illness, compared to a 50 per cent increase for secondary school students."
"Student absenteeism and the reasons behind it are very individualized to each child. Schools respond to student absenteeism themselves. That response is led by a team of school staff who meet with the student and their family to learn more about the reasons behind the student's absenteeism."
The Durham District School Board is experiencing a significant increase in student absenteeism compared to pre-pandemic levels. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, rose 75% in elementary schools and 52% in secondary schools between 2018-19 and 2024-25. Unexcused absences increased 92% for elementary students and 41% for secondary students, while excused absences due to illness jumped 72% and 50% respectively. These increases far outpace enrollment growth of 13% and 12%. Experts attribute the rise to pandemic-related mental health challenges and shifts in learning habits from school closures. The DDSB addresses absenteeism individually through school teams meeting with students and families to identify underlying causes.
#school-absenteeism #student-mental-health #pandemic-impact #education-attendance #durham-district-school-board
Read at www.cbc.ca
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