Podcast Summary
One in four students were missing at least 18 days of school: Post-pandemic, 25% of students are chronically absent, missing substantial school time and negatively impacting academic progress, emotional regulation, and overall school performance.
Despite schools being open after the pandemic, a significant number of students are still missing a substantial amount of school, leading to academic and behavioral challenges. Before the pandemic, about 15% of US students were chronically absent, but after the pandemic, that number nearly doubled to 28%, and even last school year, it was still at 26%. This means that one in four students were missing at least 18 days of school, which can negatively impact their academic progress, emotional regulation, and overall school performance. This trend is not limited to specific demographic groups, as absenteeism rates have increased across the board. This issue highlights the ongoing challenges in the education system post-pandemic.
Chronic absenteeism during pandemic: A Nike swoosh trend: Despite pandemic's length and demographics, chronic absenteeism increased, with higher rates in kindergarten, first grade, and high school, due to illness, mental health issues, and cultural shifts.
Chronic absenteeism, or students missing more than 10% of school days, has increased during the pandemic, regardless of the length of school closures or demographic groups. This trend is likened to a Nike swoosh, with higher rates of absenteeism in kindergarten and first grade, and in high school. Reasons for this absenteeism include illness, both from COVID-19 and a cultural shift in keeping sick children home, as well as mental health and anxiety issues stemming from the disruption caused by the pandemic. Schools are now trying to combat this trend by reminding families that attendance is mandatory and encouraging students to attend even if they're not feeling 100%.
Impact of pandemic on children's mental health: The pandemic's disruption to in-person learning and social interactions has negatively affected children's mental health, particularly during critical developmental stages, and parents need to prioritize addressing these needs.
The pandemic's disruption to in-person learning and social interactions has had a profound impact on children's mental health, particularly during critical developmental stages. Dana Shepsky, a mother from Atlanta, shared her experience with her 13-year-old son, who was a bright, social, and athletic child before the pandemic. After being sent home to learn online, he struggled to adjust to the new normal, experiencing fear and anxiety that prevented him from participating in social activities and attending school. Despite his assurances that he would be fine when returning to middle school in the fall, he refused to go, leading to a vicious cycle of missed days and increased fear and anxiety. This experience highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of children during and after the pandemic, particularly those who have experienced disrupted learning and socialization. Additionally, the flexibility of remote work for some parents may not be enough to support their children's mental health during these challenging times.
COVID-19's Impact on Student Absences and Educational Disparities: The pandemic exacerbated attendance issues for disadvantaged students, highlighting the need for addressing underlying barriers to equal access to education.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased student absences for various reasons, with anxiety about school and sickness being some of the driving factors. For higher income families, there's a sense of flexibility and normalization of absenteeism due to vacation and remote learning. However, for lower income families, attendance barriers such as work, childcare, and transportation continue to be significant issues. This contrast highlights the educational disparities in our society, where disadvantaged students are more likely to be academically harmed by missing school. Overall, the pandemic has brought attention to the need for addressing these underlying issues and ensuring equal access to education for all students.
The pandemic's impact on student absenteeism: The pandemic has led to a surge in student absenteeism, disrupting academic progress, mental health, and social development, while creating a vicious cycle that negatively impacts both absent and present students.
The pandemic has led to a significant increase in student absenteeism, which has become a major challenge for schools and students alike. This issue is interconnected with academic performance, mental health, and even the social development of students. Absenteeism not only harms the academic progress of the absent students but also negatively impacts their classmates. Furthermore, school is more than just academics; it's where children learn essential life skills and prepare for their future in the workforce. The pandemic has disrupted these learning experiences, and the ripple effects are still being felt. School counselors report that students have developed a reliance on online resources and struggle with anxiety around returning to a traditional classroom setting. The perfect storm of remote learning, sickness, and mental health issues has created a vicious cycle that is affecting the education of a large number of students.
Addressing student absenteeism for academic and economic success: Interventions like text message campaigns, tutoring, home visiting, and addressing reasons for absences can help reduce student absenteeism, crucial for future academic and professional success.
The skills students learn in school, including social skills and academic engagement, are crucial for their future success and the economic health of the nation. Absenteeism, especially during the pandemic, has been a major concern due to historic losses in education, particularly in math. Interventions to address absenteeism, such as text message campaigns, tutoring, and home visiting, have shown promising results. A mother in Michigan shared her experience of receiving a home visit, which helped her address the reasons for her children's absences and provided much-needed support during a difficult time. Overall, addressing absenteeism from multiple angles is key to ensuring students can catch up and thrive in their academic and professional futures.
Rebuilding the connection between families and schools for improved attendance: Home visits can help reconnect families with schools, increasing awareness of absences and encouraging regular attendance.
The pandemic has led to a shift in mindset for many families, making school attendance seem optional. This mindset has resulted in increased absenteeism, causing concerns for educators and schools. A personal intervention, such as a home visit, can help rebuild the connection between parents, kids, and schools, making families more aware of their children's absences and encouraging more effort to attend school regularly. Schools have always been the center of community and relationships, and reestablishing this connection is crucial for students and families to feel motivated to attend. While things are improving, the long-term impact of the pandemic on school attendance remains to be seen.
The pandemic's impact on education and society: The pandemic highlighted the importance of schools and relationships, but also revealed the need for trust and support for teachers and parents.
The pandemic exposed the imperfections and strains of the education system, leading to a cultural shift towards optional attendance and remote learning. This revealed both the essential role schools play in society, as well as the importance of relationships and connection. However, the exhaustion and underappreciation felt by teachers and parents highlights the need for rebuilding trust and ensuring schools remain pillars in the community. Meanwhile, remote work and the financial struggles of figures like Donald Trump are indicative of long-term cultural shifts brought about by the pandemic. In the news, Trump posted a $175 million bond to prevent authorities from seizing his assets, while Israeli airstrikes destroyed part of the Iranian embassy complex in Syria, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian officers.
Behind the scenes of a podcast episode: A podcast episode is the result of a team effort, with producers, editors, composers, and engineers collaborating to create high-quality content.
The episode was brought to life by a team of talented individuals, including producers Claire, Luke, Summer, and Diana, editors MJ and Paige, original music composers Marian and Dan, and engineer Chris. Jim and Ben's theme music added the perfect finishing touch. This team worked together seamlessly to ensure that every aspect of the podcast was executed to the best of their abilities. It's a reminder that behind every great piece of content, there's a team of passionate individuals working together to make it happen. So next time you listen to a podcast, podcast episode, or watch a video, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and collaboration that goes into creating it.
