New campaign launched to combat chronic absenteeism in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — “Every day counts.” That’s the message from the Utah State Board of Education, which says chronic student absenteeism is a growing problem across the state.

Chronic absenteeism has been on the rise over the past decade. The Utah State Board of Education is trying to educate students that missing even one day of school can have a long-lasting impact.  That’s why the board has launched a campaign called “Every Day Counts.”

Defining chronic absenteeism

A student is considered chronically absent if they miss around 18 days of school, which amounts to 10% of the year. The state board says chronic absences lead to learning loss and could impact someone’s ability to graduate.

Their campaign includes student competitions, educational webinars and the use of attendance ambassadors, who can be parents or community members. 

Megan Menlove, an attendance specialist with the Utah State Board of Education, says there are several reasons kids might not be showing up.

“A big key factor is to identify the barriers that individual students and families are facing and then to help provide their resources to address those barriers and help kids get to school.”

Menlove said engagement from parents and the community is also essential. 

“The more people that are promoting positive attendance, hopefully, the more we can address the issues across the state.”

Related: Some student absences in Utah likely due to federal immigration policies