Absenteeism in Wisconsin schools is nearing crisis levels, with 19.5% of students missing more than 10% of school days during the 2022-23 school year. The impact of COVID-19 has reshaped school attendance culture, making it seem less critical. Despite efforts like home visits and personalized interventions, the issue lingers. It’s time to shift the conversation toward a more impactful strategy: expanding educational options.

Meeting Parents Needs With More School Choice

Expanding school choice can help address absenteeism by offering a range of learning environments that better meet diverse student needs. A significant portion of students report disengagement with school, and over one in five students have skipped school due to a lack of interest. This suggests a need for more personalized educational experiences, such as hybrid or online programs that can re-engage students.

Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) allow families to direct public education funding toward learning environments that align with their child’s needs. This could include flexible schedules, immersive virtual learning, or alternative schools with more focused curriculums. Research from states implementing ESAs shows increased attendance rates when parents can select a suitable school environment.

Flexible Models for Complex Realities

Absenteeism is often linked to issues beyond academics, like mental health challenges, family responsibilities, and physical health. While traditional schools have made efforts to accommodate these factors, the results remain limited. By allowing parents to choose learning models that adapt to these realities, students are more likely to remain engaged. For instance, hybrid schooling can provide continuity when a student faces health concerns, while virtual programs can accommodate students dealing with anxiety or other mental health issues.

The benefits of educational freedom extend beyond reducing absenteeism. When parents have the autonomy to select the best fit for their children’s education, it fosters a greater sense of ownership and investment. This can create a stronger school culture, where both families and educators share a commitment to regular attendance and student success.

Parental Involvement Drives Attendance

Giving parents the freedom to choose schools can also enhance their role in supporting consistent attendance. When families can select schools that align with their child’s needs, they become more proactive about attendance. This sense of choice and ownership often results in better engagement, especially among low-income families and students with special needs.

Research from Wisconsin shows that school choice programs have improved attendance, with families actively choosing schools that they feel are best for their children. Schools that operate on a shared vision—where educators are committed to ensuring students show up consistently—tend to foster better attendance rates. 

Reimagining Attendance Culture

A shift toward educational freedom doesn’t just aim to get students back in the classroom; it seeks to rebuild a culture of consistent learning. 

The solution to chronic absenteeism isn’t more reminders or door-knocking. It’s providing parents with the tools to choose the best learning environments for their children. When families have the power to direct public funding toward schools that fit their needs, students are more likely to attend and thrive. Educational freedom can set the stage for lasting engagement, attendance, and academic success.