x
Breaking News
More () »

Michigan schools deal with more students skipping classes

Education experts say absenteeism increases the chances that children will have reading issues in elementary school, fail classes in middle school and drop out of high school.
Credit: Thinkstock
Lecture chairs in classroom, stock image.

Michigan education officials are looking for ways to address an increase in chronic absenteeism among students.

In the 2016-2017 school year, 15.6 percent of students were chronically absent, up from 14.7 percent the year before. That means more than 233,500 students were absent for 10 percent of the academic year.

A new law approved last month requires chronic absenteeism rates to be a factor in measuring school quality.

Detroit Public Schools Community District has moved attendance agents into schools to help locate absent students. The district will meet with principals to see how they're improving attendance and share best practices.

Education experts say absenteeism increases the chances that children will have reading issues in elementary school, fail classes in middle school and drop out of high school.

Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WZZM 13 app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out