Bynum Introduces the All In for Attendance Act to Combat Chronic Student Absenteeism

Today, Reps. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) introduced the All In for Attendance Act, a bill to help schools improve attendance and provide support for students at risk of missing classes. The All In for Attendance Act allows local educational agencies to use federal education funds for evidence-based attendance interventions and student support services to better tackle chronic absenteeism.

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, is one of the most significant barriers to student success. In Oregon, chronic student absenteeism rates are among the country's worst at 33 percent. Students who are chronically absent are more likely to fall behind academically, have lower graduation rates, and face poorer long-term economic outcomes. Research shows they are nearly four times more likely not to graduate from high school.

"Our kids deserve the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential," said Rep. Janelle Bynum. "Too many students face barriers that make it harder to get to school and stay on track. This bill helps connect them with the transportation, mental health services, and support they need to succeed. I'll keep fighting to make sure every child has the opportunity to thrive because I refuse to let our kids fall behind."

"Kids can't learn if they're not in the classroom," said Rep. Menefee. "That's why I'm proud to team up with Rep. Bynum on this bill. It gives schools the tools they need to spot problems early, work hand-in-hand with parents, community groups, and local agencies, and find practical solutions that keep kids in the classroom. Because when students show up to school, they're more likely to stay on track, graduate, and build a better future for themselves and their families."

The All In for Attendance Act would allow school districts to use federal funds to:

• Partner with community organizations that provide student mentorship, success coaching, and peer mentoring programs.
• Implement data-sharing systems between schools, local governments, and service agencies to better track absenteeism trends, including absences related to suspensions, expulsions, and state emergencies.
• Connect chronically absent students with healthcare, transportation, counseling, and other essential support services.
• Provide professional development for educators to help identify and address the root causes of absenteeism.

While absenteeism rates have improved since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery has been uneven. Black, Native American, and Latino students continue to experience disproportionately high rates of chronic absenteeism. In Texas, Black students are 1.3 times more likely than their peers to be chronically absent.

Several factors contribute to chronic absenteeism, including transportation barriers, family challenges, homelessness, mental health concerns, and negative school climates. School discipline policies also play a role. Nationally, Black K-12 students are 3.6 times more likely to be suspended and 3.4 times more likely to be expelled than their white peers, increasing the likelihood that they will miss valuable classroom instruction.

"Schools across the country have seen spikes of chronically absent students, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Although attendance has begun to improve, recovery has been slow and uneven. Too many students, especially Black students, low-income students, and students with disabilities, are missing school too often. Chronic absenteeism must be addressed right now. Missed class time results in reduced peer-to-peer connections and the lack of strong teacher relationships and mentorship students often need to succeed. Gaps in learning often result from chronic absenteeism, and amid a math and literacy crisis we simply cannot afford to lose a generation of students. Consequently, EdTrust is proud to endorse the All In For Attendance Act, because it addresses the effects of lost instructional time and the supports necessary to keep students engaged in school. Led by Congressman Menefee and Congresswoman Bynum, this important legislation would tackle chronic absenteeism by allowing local educational agencies to use existing federal education funds for evidence-based attendance interventions and student support services which address chronic absenteeism. We urge Congress to advance this bill immediately and make real the promise of education equity for our nation's underserved students," said Dr. Allison Socol, Vice President for P-12 Policy, Practice, and Research.

"I applaud Representatives Menefee and Bynum for introducing the All In For Attendance Act," said Dr. Amy Loyd, CEO of All4Ed. "Engagement is essential for student success. This legislation will address chronic absenteeism by giving school districts resources to develop comprehensive approaches, from data collection to counseling, that will promote student outcomes. Recent results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress show we must do more to support student academic achievement. This legislation is the type of policy that is needed to ensure all of our young people have the opportunity to thrive."

"The All In for Attendance Act is a direct response to what educators and researchers alike have long told us," said Evan Stone, Co-Founder and CEO of Educators for Excellence. "In fact, 61% of educators report that student absences have a very serious impact on learning in their classrooms. Schools need the funds and flexibility to invest in proven strategies such as school climate initiatives, high-quality professional development, and stronger family engagement in order to mitigate this crisis."

To see the full bill text click HERE.

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