As many as 7.5 million U.S. students are chronically absent each year, meaning they miss 10 percent of the school year or nearly a month of school.

• Time away from school – whether excused, unexcused or for disciplinary reasons – reduces the likelihood that a student will graduate from high school.
• Chronic absenteeism contributes to the academic achievement gap, and can have profound implications on the socio-economic vitality of a community.
• One in 10 kindergarteners and first graders are chronically absent.
• A study conducted by the Utah Education Policy Center showed that first, second, and third grade students in Utah who were chronically absent during the school year were significantly less likely to read on grade level at the end of the school year.
• Students who miss just 10 days a year are less likely to graduate high school or enroll in college.

In an effort to reduce chronic absenteeism, the Utah State Office of Education, conjunction with Attendance Works, Voices for Utah Children, REL West at WestEd, Utah Education Policy Center, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, has announced the first Utah Attendance Awareness Month for September 2014.

Click here to learn more about how communities, schools and families can work together to help build habits of regular school attendance.