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June 2026 Issue Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2023 Issue
By Crystal Carranco
When we talk about school attendance rates, we’re actually talking about students who are not in attendance. This is not a new issue in education, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only added to this growing problem. During the 2021–2022 school year, for instance, more than 70% of public schools in America saw an increase in chronic student absenteeism. Pre-pandemic, and still, there are many factors that have contributed to poor attendance.
One such factor involves misconceptions around the importance of elementary school, which is something I have seen first-hand as an early childhood educator. These early grades are often seen as “play” grades, when in fact they are the most important years with regard to reading acquisition. According to HealthyChildren.org, children who are chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade are less likely to read at the expected level by the time they reach third grade.
Crystal Carranco is an Assistant Principal at Stagecoach Elementary in Cabot, AR, and previously taught first grade for 10 years. She is passionate about working alongside and supporting teachers, and serving our most at-risk student populations. Crystal is a 2022 ASTA and AAEF Advocacy Fellow.
