Eva Moskowitz of Success Academy Charter Schools emphasizes the critical role of regular school attendance for student success. A Manhattan Institute report reveals over one-third of NYC public school students are chronically absent, with low-income and minority students being disproportionately affected. The author attributes the rise in absenteeism to pandemic-related school closures and the ensuing message to parents about attendance importance. However, some schools demonstrate low absenteeism rates despite similar demographics, indicating effective practices can improve attendance. Success Academy prioritizes attendance, encouraging educators and celebrating students who achieve perfect attendance.
Despite the fact that the danger to children from COVID was minimal, regulators imposed absurdly restrictive measures on schools at the behest of the teachers union, which resulted in school closures.
Schools can do something about chronic absenteeism. At Success Academy Charter Schools, which I lead, we invest a huge amount of effort in getting children to attend school regularly.
Although parents bear some blame for failing to get their kids to school, so do the schools these children attend; many schools have low absenteeism rates.
Woody Allen once said 80% of success in life is just showing up. Although 80% seems high, showing up is certainly the bare minimum for success.
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