Absenteeism in School
Why we track this indicator
Absenteeism is directly associated with academic success. High rate of absenteeism is indicative of community risk, such as poor health, limited transportation, and lack of safety.
Absenteeism in School Data Breakdown
Status: Red
Definition: Average percentage of students categorized as having chronic absenteeism in all seven school districts in Elkhart County. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the Indiana Department of Education as any student missing 10% of enrolled days. This information is obtained through publicly available data.
Source: Indiana Department of Education
Last Updated: January 2024
Reported Mitigating Factors: None Reported.
Methodology
Methodology: Using the weighted average formula we obtain the total percent of students that are categorized with chronic absenteeism across Elkhart County. We then compare Elkhart County’s average to the state average.
Goal: To be lower than the Indiana state average.
Traffic Light:
Green: at least 1% lower compared to Indiana
Gray: within +/- 1% of compared to Indiana
Red: at least 1% higher compared to Indiana
Supporting Research
The Relationship Between School Attendance and Health
Chronic absenteeism is a critical national problem that puts more than 6.5 million school children at risk.
The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health
Chronic school absenteeism, starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, puts students at risk for poor school performance and school dropout, which in turn, puts them at risk for unhealthy behaviors as adolescents and young adults as well as poor long-term health outcomes.
Neurodevelopmental disorders, self-harm increase risk for school absence
The presence of neurodevelopmental or mental disorders or self-harm before age 24 years increased risk for missing school, according to results of a nationwide, retrospective, electronic cohort study.
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Absenteeism in School
Baugo Community Schools
Baugo Community Schools seeks “to sustain our community by improving our schools in four areas: 1). authentic student, family, and community engagement, 2). powerful teaching and learning, 3). expanded student supports, [and] 4). family and community partnerships.”
Elkhart Community Schools
Elkhart Community Schools is a district that serves approximately 13,000 students, and is known for high-quality programs, exceptional teachers, superior learning environments, and strong parental and community support.
Wa-Nee Community Schools
Wa-Nee Community Schools prepares students to be adaptable individuals with the life and educational skills necessary to become responsible and ethical citizens.
Indicators in Action
The ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program will provide low barrier grants to collaborating partners which will help increase cross-system collaboration and facilitate the community response to needs and/or gaps identified through the Elkhart County Child Dashboard. Applicants may request up to $2,000. Two or more applicants can collaborate for collaborative action based upon one or more data indicators and increase the grant request. By leveraging the ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program partners can have a platform that helps to inform community goals and creates a stronger sustainability platform for their programs.
For a copy of the 1-page proposal template click here or email David Wiegner.