JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released the 2023-24 Chronic Absenteeism Report.

The new report shows the 2023-24 state chronic absenteeism rate is 24.4%, which is a slight increase compared to 23.9% in 2022-23.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% (18 days) of the school year for any reason, which includes excused and unexcused absences and suspensions.

“MDE remains committed to providing support and training for schools and districts to combat chronic absenteeism and prevent students from dropping out,” said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. “We also implore families and community leaders to join in these efforts.”

MDE began reporting chronic absence data in 2016. The lowest rate of 13% was in 2018-19. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to be the major factor that led to higher state and national rates in 2021-22 when Mississippi’s was 28%. 

Attendance Works reports that a December 2023 update from the U.S. Department of Education showed 14.7 million students were chronically absent in 2021-22.

MDE partnered with the National Dropout Prevention Center in January 2024 to address chronic absenteeism in the state. Through the partnership, officials said the department held 12 regional two-day training sessions across the state from February through April to guide district and school teams to develop impactful local plans to improve attendance. 

In May, MDE held a statewide Chronic Absenteeism and Dropout Prevention Conference during which experts shared innovative strategies and practical approaches on this issue.