Supporting Chronic Absenteeism Initiatives in California
Chronic absenteeism has dropped since the pandemic but remains high compared to pre-pandemic rates; California is no exception. While the California Department of Education (CDE) has recently updated chronic absence guidance, the department wants to develop additional implementation and capacity-building support to change practice at the local level.
The CDE is collaborating with the West Comprehensive Center to facilitate and provide resources for the Attendance Organizing Committee (AOC). The AOC supports legislation, communication, and training regarding the 2025 Chronic Absence Guidance and Resource Hub.
West CC will support the CDE by:
- Facilitating meetings and strategic engagement of key stakeholders and subject matter experts;
- Serving as an independent facilitator for cross-organizational planning sessions through virtual and in-person meetings with the AOC and the larger working group; and
- Creating a landscape analysis of successful efforts to address chronic absenteeism across the state.
Through these collaborative efforts, the CDE will have an aligned state system regarding attendance guidance and supports and increased implementation of the statewide guidance.
