Native American students struggle with school attendance post-pandemic

In the aftermath of the pandemic, Native American students across the United States have faced significant challenges in returning to school. During the 2022-2023 academic year, the San Carlos Unified School District reported that up to 76% of its students were chronically absent, a number that was particularly pronounced among Native American students. The disparities in attendance were exacerbated by pre-existing issues, including higher rates of illness and poverty within the Native American community. Many students also grappled with feelings of anxiety and unstable living conditions, contributing to their reluctance to attend school. The difficulties encountered by Native students have drawn attention to the need for schools to reach out to families and better engage with the community. For instance, in Arizona, school officials like Nicholas Ferro at Rice Intermediate School implemented strategies for enhanced communication, highlighting the importance of family involvement in ensuring students' consistent attendance. In addition to school resources, teachers like Jason Jones have dedicated themselves to improving students' overall well-being and creating a supportive environment that encourages attendance. As a positive development, statistics indicate an improvement in the chronic absenteeism rates for the 2023-2024 school year, with figures dropping from 76% to 59% in the San Carlos Unified School District. This success can be attributed, in part, to concerted efforts to connect with the community and adapt the educational system to meet the needs of Native American students, rather than imposing traditional methods that may not resonate with them. As schools continued to focus on building those essential connections, the hope remains that further improvements can be achieved moving forward. However, not all areas have seen comparable improvements; in certain states, absenteeism among Native students has worsened. For example, data showed that the rate in Arizona rose from 22% to 45% over five years. Therefore, school leaders are working diligently to address the underlying contributors to absenteeism, recognizing that the barriers faced by Native American students require a multifaceted approach for effective resolution.