More on CPS Absenteeism

Yesterday I alluded to the Sunday, November 11th Chicago Tribune article that commented on the high rate of absenteeism among K - 8 CPS students.  The story paid particular attention to this troubling situation among African Americans.

On one level the Trib story singled out African Americans but, on the other hand, the story shed a good deal of light on some of the very real causes of missing school.

As the Tribune noted, "Many students lost weeks or even months of class time as their families scrambled from home to home, fleeing foreclosures and debt.  In grades K - 8, poor attendance often stems from factors beyond the schools control or even the child's - chaotic homes, ineffective parents, rising rates of poverty and homelessness."

What I'd like people to understand is that many of the causes of excessive absenteeism are out of the hands of schools and the children.  As such, schools and civic organizations have to step, as best as possible, to help fill the above void.  Schools Count Corp sees that we have a positive role to play in assisting schools, teachers, families and students in order to counteract these out-of-school conditions.

I'm always appreciative of the efforts you put forth to aid this cause.

Thanks,
Dick