The Big Picture
Native American students experience chronic absenteeism at significantly higher rates than their peers nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these disparities, with many schools struggling to re-engage students. Chronic absenteeism—missing 10% or more of the school year—disrupts education, and efforts to address the issue are underway in schools serving Native communities.
By the Numbers
In the 2022-2023 school year, Native American and Alaska Native students in half of 34 states with available data had absenteeism rates at least 9 percentage points higher than the state average.
In Arizona, chronic absenteeism for Native students increased from 22% in 2018-2019 to 45% in 2022-2023.
Some districts saw improvements: San Carlos Unified School District in Arizona reduced its absenteeism rate from 76% to 59% in one year.
Why It Matters
Chronic absenteeism hinders academic achievement and future opportunities. Native American students face unique barriers, including:
Poverty and unstable living conditions.
High rates of illness and trauma.
Historical distrust of education due to the U.S. government's history of using schools to suppress Native culture.
Community-Centered Solutions
Schools are taking culturally sensitive approaches to address absenteeism:
Cultural Success Coaches: Schools like San Carlos Unified employ staff who connect families with resources, acknowledge trauma, and help students overcome barriers to attendance.
Care Centers: Partnering with hospitals and food banks, these centers provide essential services to students and families.
Language and Identity Affirmation: Schools like Algodones Elementary in New Mexico offer classes in Native languages, aligning with community traditions and schedules.
Voices from the Community
Ethel Marie Betom, a grandmother in the San Carlos Apache tribe, emphasizes education as a path to a better future, urging her grandson to value school despite challenges.
Lillian Curtis, a caregiver in Arizona, praises activities and improved communication from schools, which have motivated her granddaughter to attend more consistently.
The Historical Context
Decades of systemic efforts to suppress Native culture have left a legacy of mistrust toward education. Superintendent Deborah Dennison of San Carlos Unified, a Navajo Nation member, says her district is "decolonizing" its schools to better serve Native students.
What’s Next
Efforts to close the attendance gap include:
Strengthening school-family connections through home visits and better communication.
Expanding access to health and social services on school campuses.
Integrating cultural practices and languages into education to foster a sense of belonging.
The Bottom Line
Chronic absenteeism among Native American students highlights deep-rooted inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. However, community-driven approaches show promise in addressing barriers, reconnecting families to education, and improving attendance rates.
Comentarios