Oregon Schools See Slight Improvement in Attendance Rates Post-Pandemic
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has released its 2023-2024 At-A-Glance School and District Profiles, revealing a modest increase in student attendance rates. Data indicates that the percentage of students classified as "regular attenders," those present more than 90% of the school days, rose by 3.8% to 65.7% this year. Notably, the increase was most pronounced among elementary school students, who experienced a significant 6.7% rise in regular attendance.
While these figures highlight a positive trend, attendance levels still fall short of pre-pandemic statistics. The current attendance rate is nearly 15% lower than the 2018-2019 school year, illustrating ongoing challenges that Oregon schools face in achieving full student engagement post-COVID-19.
Educators and policymakers are now evaluating strategies to bolster attendance as the state continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The increase in attendance among younger students is a hopeful sign, suggesting that early interventions and support systems may be beginning to take effect.
As the community reflects on these trends, the question remains whether confidence in Oregon schools can be restored and sustained in light of these evolving statistics. The data, while encouraging, serves as a reminder of the persistent impacts of COVID-19 on education and the importance of ongoing efforts to engage all students in their learning environments.
Stakeholders are urged to remain proactive in addressing the barriers to attendance and fostering a supportive educational climate, as the broader aim remains to ensure every student is engaged, present, and prepared to learn in Oregon’s schools.
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