The 50% Challenge: A Bipartisan Blueprint to Cut Chronic Absenteeism in Five Years

Tackling the staggering rates of chronic absenteeism requires more than localized fixes; it demands a unified, cross-sector strategy. Recognizing this urgency, Attendance Works, the Education Trust, and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) joined forces to propose a bold, achievable goal: cut chronic absenteeism by 50 percent nationwide over the next five years.

Rather than relying on isolated school initiatives, this blueprint calls for comprehensive state-level planning paired with a deep mobilization of community resources and bipartisan backing.

Achieving this ambitious target starts with shifting how states and local leaders address school attendance. Under this framework, Attendance Works develops vital resources to help individual states craft customized action plans grounded in local realities and available assets.

Simultaneously, organizations implementing integrated student supports ensure that prevention, early intervention, and positive learning environments are prioritized across districts. By bringing together educators, families, and community partners, this collaborative approach addresses the root barriers keeping children out of the classroom.

Ultimately, cutting absenteeism in half is not just an educational milestone—it is a critical investment in the future workforce and economic health of our communities. When schools and neighborhoods align to support the whole child, students are far more likely to stay engaged, overcome personal obstacles, and succeed.

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