Many Colorado Students Miss School Often

This week, the State Department of Education released data indicating a 3.4% decrease in chronic absenteeism, bringing the rate down to 27.7%. In response, Denver Public Schools (DPS), the largest school district in Colorado, is launching a focused initiative to combat chronic absenteeism rather than merely improving overall attendance rates. The district aims to collaborate with schools, families, and community partners to address the underlying issues contributing to students missing school. Derek Pike, assistant principal at Denver West High School, highlighted the challenges that have intensified since the pandemic, which have led to increased absenteeism. The new initiative seeks to incentivize student attendance while also tackling the root causes of truancy. Dr. Canty, a district leader, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of supporting students socially, emotionally, and academically to ensure their success. Despite the recent decline in absenteeism rates, Dr. Canty noted that approximately one-third of students in the district were still chronically absent last school year, indicating that more work is needed. Both Dr. Canty and Pike underscored the shared commitment among educators to keep students engaged and present in school, regardless of the challenges they face. The district recognizes that addressing absenteeism is a collective effort, requiring the involvement of schools, parents, students, and the broader community to create a supportive environment for all learners.