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Illinois law defines “chronic absenteeism” as a student who misses 10 percent of school days within an academic year with or without a valid excuse (excused or unexcused), chronic absenteeism affects millions of students across the country and can have long-term consequences on learning, graduation rates, and future opportunities.

Unlike truancy, which focuses only on unexcused absences, chronic absenteeism looks at the total time a student is away from the classroom, regardless of the reason. This broader view helps schools and communities identify students who may need support whether they’re facing health challenges, transportation issues, or other barriers to regular attendance.

Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a collaborative, compassionate approach that involves educators, families, and community partners. By understanding the root causes and working together to remove obstacles, we can ensure every student can learn, grow, and succeed.​​

Improving Attendance and Engagement in Illinois Schools Webinar - April 7

Everyday Counts 2.0

Starting January 2026, ISBE will launch Everyday Counts 2.0, an enhanced engagement series designed to deepen district collaboration and accelerate strategies for reducing chronic absenteeism.

Purpose:

  • Build on the foundational work of the current cohort.
  • Provide advanced tools and coaching for data-driven decision-making.
  • Strengthen connections between attendance, equity, and student engagement.

Scheduled Dates for Everyday Counts 2.0:

Chronic Absenteeism vs. Truancy

Truancy

  • Counts only unexcused absences
  • Emphasizes compliance with school rules
  • Relies on legal & administrative solutions

Chronic Absence

  • Counts all absences: excused, unexcused & suspensions
  • Emphasizes academic impact of missed days
  • Uses community-based, positive strategies​​​​​
​

Chronic Absenteeism Data

From 2018 to 2024, chronic absenteeism in Illinois showed an overall increasing trend. In 2018, the rate was 16.8%, rising slightly to 17.5% in 2019. A notable drop occurred in 2020, with the rate falling to 11.0%, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in how attendance was tracked during remote learning. However, the following years saw a sharp rise: 21.1% in 2021, peaking at 29.8% in 2022. Although there has been a gradual decline since then 28.3% in 2023 and 26.3% in 2024, the rates remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating ongoing challenges in student attendance and engagement.

Please see the Illinois Report Card website for additional information.

Monthly Meetings

​These monthly meetings are designed to support Illinois school districts in addressing chronic absenteeism through collaboration, data sharing, and strategic planning. Led by ISBE, the sessions provide updates, spotlight effective practices, and offer tools and resources to help districts improve student attendance and engagement.​​

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