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 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 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 we can solve these problems! In Pekin, the schools have been working hard this year with awareness campaigns in elementary and high school districts. By strategically messaging students and parents and implementing new attendance incentives, the goal is to see a 6% decrease in chronic absenteeism in District 108 in the next four years.

The first step is to get informed and read the research below. For more information, please visit Attendance Works online at www.attendanceworks.org. Also, follow Pekin Alliance for Literacy Success on Facebook or at www.pekinliteracy.org  for more information and resources on getting ready for kindergarten and reading at grade level by third grade!