Every September , Attendance Awareness Month takes place to spread awareness regarding why maintaining attendance in school and college is essential for academic success. Apart from the fact that missing classes can place a student behind in their coursework, absenteeism also affects assignments and final exams. While taking a few days off in times of need is acceptable, skipping school for fun or to avoid certain assignments, only proves to be harmful in the long run. This is why months like these are essential to highlight the importance of attendance to teenagers. Yes, you have years to enjoy your life. However, if you mess up school, it will have an impact on the job you land and your quality of life.
History of Attendance Awareness Month
Skipping school is a problem that exists across the globe and seems to be worsening in modern times. This may be because people would rather do something entertaining than go to school and get bored in a class. Did you know more than eight million students are missing school so much that their academic records have been affected? Many times, the students don’t even realize how bad the problem is till they are given a warning. By that time, it’s too late. Students are also falling into the phase of chronic absences. This means they are missing 10% or more of their school days.
According to another research, children living in poverty are two to three times more likely to be chronically absent. The worst part? School is the last chance for these individuals to make it and break the circle of poverty. Sadly, students at a young age often fail to realize the consequences of their actions and continue to make excuses to stay out of school. However, often school is missed due to illnesses and transport issues. Hence, it is up to the parents and guardians to ensure effective measures are taken to ensure there are no hurdles in the child’s path.
To spread awareness and build the future of numerous children, the Attendance Awareness Campaign was first celebrated in September 2013. The goal of the campaign is to reduce chronic absence and has over 97 national organizations working in partnership to spread the message.
Attendance Awareness Month timeline
Laws and codes requiring school attendance exist in some countries.
Germans develop a compulsory attendance policy called ‘Schulpflichtigkeit.’
The ‘factory law’ is passed to ensure children don’t skip school to work in factories.
Mississippi enacts a compulsory attendance law.
Attendance Awareness Month FAQs
What month is Attendance Awareness?
Attendance Awareness Month is celebrated every September. It aims to encourage students not to skip classes.
Is Attendance Works a nonprofit?
This is a national organization that focuses on improving the policy and research around attendance.
What is the definition of chronic absenteeism?
Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10 percent of days in a school year.
How to Observe Attendance Awareness Month
Conduct research on why people miss school
There are several reasons why children miss school. This includes bullying, a boring class, or even depression. Conduct an online survey to find out why children skip school. The information collected might lead to a solution.
Give a motivational talk
Yes, at a young age, fun seems like the most important thing for many. This is why it is crucial to highlight how and why studies and attendance help in one's career. Give a motivational talk through a webinar or simply speak at a school.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness regarding the number of people who skip school and why this is a problem that needs immediate attention.
5 Facts About School Attendance
Absenteeism starts from a young age
One in 10 kindergarten and first-graders are chronically absent.
Children from low-income families are more absent
Children from low-income families are four times more likely to be chronically absent.
Absents that can damage a student
Missing 18 days in a school year negatively impacts a student's performance
September as a predictor
Students who miss two to four days in the first month of school are likely to have a poor attendance record later.
Students who are less likely to graduate
Those with high absenteeism in grade nine are less likely to graduate.
Why Attendance Awareness Month is Important
It explains why attendance is important
The month is essential to explain to students why attendance is important. Otherwise, many students tend to believe they can skip classes and cover up the coursework later.
It talks about the consequences
The month highlights the consequences of constantly skipping school, such as an academic downfall, inability to find admission to a good university, etc.
It’s informative
Apart from looking at how essential attendance is for academics, the month also talks about how being present in school builds a student’s personality.
Attendance Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
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