Student absences skyrocketed in Columbus last school year - Axios ColumbusLog InLog InAxios Columbus is an Axios company.

Student absences skyrocketed in Columbus last school year

Data: Ohio Department of Education; Chart: Simran Parwani/AxiosMore than 30% of Ohio's K-12 students were chronically absent this past school year, nearly double the pre-pandemic rate.The rate was even higher in some area districts, including 65% in Columbus City Schools, per the state's . Why it matters: The new data is another illustration of how the pandemic is disrupting kids' lives and academic achievement.The state as missing at least 10% of instructional time for any reason, including illness. Between the lines: Last year, schools to send students home to quarantine if they were exposed to COVID-19 at school while not masked or fully vaccinated. Under , this is no longer the case. Students are advised to wear a mask but quarantines are not required. Zoom in: Students who are Black, economically disadvantaged or have disabilities had substantially higher absences, .Chronic absenteeism can be a symptom of pandemic-heightened challenges, such as mental health and economic stressors. Of note: While most local districts' absences got worse from 2021-22, a few actually improved.Columbus reduced its rate from 74.6% to 65%, South-Western from 56% to 41% and Whitehall from 46% to 42%.The rates are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic, though. What's next: Educators are working to reconnect with students, including in Columbus, which placed attendance specialists in buildings to support families, a spokesperson tells Axios. The district also recently with nonprofit using $190,000 in federal funds., an attendance-focused partnership with the Crew, launches today. Meanwhile, the allocated up to $7 million to attendance recovery through the Ohio Department of Education.That funds a program called with the company , which reaches out to families — 16,000 so far — to connect them with resources.It's currently at capacity with over 210 school systems opting in, chief development officer Greg Harp tells Axios. What we're watching: With COVID vaccines now available for all school-aged children and quarantine guidelines loosened, a boost in attendance is likely this school year. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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