State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Tuesday that California is committed to reducing chronic absenteeism by 50% over five years, releasing new statewide guidance to improve student attendance.
Speaking at Williamson Elementary School in Rancho Cordova, Thurmond was joined by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and education leaders to unveil the guidance developed with Attendance Works and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence.
"Due to historic investments in student supports and family engagement, California has cut TK–12 chronic absenteeism levels by one-third, from 30% in 2022 to 20% in 2024," Thurmond said. "We are on track and committed to reduce chronic absence by 50% over five years."
The superintendent emphasized the state's Community Schools approach, saying it addresses whole-family needs to help students attend school regularly.
Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Erik Swanson said the district's California Community Schools Partnership Program grant has been a "game changer" for improving attendance. The district's chronic absenteeism rates mirror statewide trends.
Also speaking were Attendance Works Vice President of Programs Cecelia Leong, California Collaborative for Educational Excellence Deputy Executive Director Sujie Shin, FCUSD Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist Maggie Cunin and student representatives.
Thurmond, a former social worker, stressed the importance of Community Schools strategies for boosting attendance.
"When our students aren't showing up to school, our schools need the resources to knock on doors and ask why," he said.
The new guidance aims to provide districts with tools and strategies to address attendance challenges through comprehensive family and community support systems.
Edited by SMDP Staff