The Problem: In 2023, 32.5 % of Pekin Kindergarteners, 30.1% of First Graders, 28.3% of Second Graders, and 23.8% of Third Graders missed 10% or more of school days with or without a valid excuse. Illinois law defines a “chronic absentee” as a student who misses 10 percent of school days within an academic year with or without a valid excuse. That’s 18 days of an average 180-day school year.
Research shows (see information below) that missing 18 or more days a year can lead to students having difficulty learning to read by the third grade, missing even more school days in higher grades, and even not graduating from high school.
Research also shows that this is a solvable problem.
The first step is to get informed and read the research below. Also, follow Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success on Facebook or at pekinliteracy.org for more information and resources on getting ready for Kindergarten and reading at grade level by Third Grade!
https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem
Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success 