In concert with the Discovery Forum on educational equity, we share more about Oregon’s chronic absenteeism crisis. About 34% of Oregon students miss over 10% of school days, compared with 22% nationally. Oregon also has a shorter school year—165 days vs. 179 nationally—meaning many K-12 students lose 15 days per year, or nearly a full year of instruction. Low-income kids are hit even harder. Children from low-income families in the US are more likely to miss school for health reasons and now for safety from ICE.
Learn more about this challenge by:
• Exploring research from Oregon’s Time and Attendance Campaign
• Visiting Attendance Works for ideas to support attendance awareness
• Signing up for Stand for Children updates to help pass 2027 legislation to lengthen the school year and improve school attendance
Reducing absenteeism and aligning Oregon’s school year with national standards would significantly improve learning, especially in math and reading.