To the Editor,

In the beautiful landscape of Rhode Island, there is an underlying crisis within our education system. The crisis is chronic absenteeism, this term is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. Chronic absenteeism is not just a Rhode Island issue, it is a nationwide issue.  In the 2022-2023 school year 26% percent of the American student population was chronically absent. While In Rhode Island, 28.9 percent of students were chronically absent. Compared to pre-pandemic levels where about 15 percent of students nationwide were chronically absent.

Rhode Island did see the harmful effects of students not coming to school and learning as we were the lowest amongst the New England States in SAT scores in the year of 2022. Statistics from RIDE show a 24.3% difference in meeting or exceeding expectations in the English section of the SAT with students who have been chronically absent vs students who have not been. The math section proves this as well as there is a 23% difference in meeting or exceeding expectations.

Toll Gate High School, the school that I attend, is on track for 32.5% of the student population to be chronically absent. This is an improvement from 42% of students last year, but this is still a high number. I sat down with my principal, Mrs. Candace Caluori. We discussed how chronic absenteeism affected the school’s academics and livelihood. Mrs. Caluori mentioned “All students are not the same, all come from a different family unit, socioeconomic status, and dynamic. I am well aware that everyone has their own situations, and it takes a lot of time to take care of every student that is late. It is a delicate balance between school and life.” She also discussed how it’s a team effort and it takes everyone to help. “As educators they are trying to prepare you for the future, social, emotional, and coping skills to deal with adversity.”

There are many different ways to address this issue but Governor Dan McKee is looking to help solve this issue within Rhode Island. In April 2023, Governor McKee announced a new initiative Learn365RI to help battle the chronic absenteeism crisis. I am a part of the Rhode Island Governor's Young Leaders Advisory Group which was created by Governor McKee to receive a younger people’s view on certain issues.

While there can be many different policy changes, it also takes widespread community action. Whether you’re a student, parent, family friend, school administrator, elected official, etc; we can all help in this crisis. The more and more kids go to school, the more they are prepared for future life endeavors including college, military, and workforce. In return it creates a better community for all.

Jordan Brazeau

Toll Gate High School Class of 2024