Schools across Iowa are taking a hard look at their chronic absenteeism rates.In Des Moines, the school board says there are six schools that have a chronic absenteeism rate of more than 50%, including East, Lincoln and North high schools. But the district says many schools are improving. The school seeing the biggest success is King Elementary on Forest Avenue.The absenteeism rate there has improved 20.6% compared to this time last year.Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts says school leaders there have done well to work with parents and students, but he says the issue goes beyond kids not showing up for class. “This is a symptom of things that are much greater,” Roberts said. “Some of society’s challenges … our families are faced with.” The district says more than 5% of students district-wide have missed 18 or more days of school already.» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI
Schools across Iowa are taking a hard look at their chronic absenteeism rates.
In Des Moines, the school board says there are six schools that have a chronic absenteeism rate of more than 50%, including East, Lincoln and North high schools.
But the district says many schools are improving.
The school seeing the biggest success is King Elementary on Forest Avenue.
The absenteeism rate there has improved 20.6% compared to this time last year.
Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts says school leaders there have done well to work with parents and students, but he says the issue goes beyond kids not showing up for class.
“This is a symptom of things that are much greater,” Roberts said. “Some of society’s challenges … our families are faced with.”
The district says more than 5% of students district-wide have missed 18 or more days of school already.
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