The article examines the persistent issue of student absenteeism in the United States, which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained high despite schools reopening. This trend is observed across demographic groups and districts, regardless of income level or length of school closures during the pandemic. While various factors contribute to absenteeism, such as illness and transportation issues, a fundamental shift in the value placed on education appears to underlie the problem. This trend not only impacts academic performance but also exacerbates other challenges such as student anxiety and behavioral problems.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/29/briefing/school-absences.html