SC public high school students identified mental health issues, among other factors, as reasons for low school attendance during a focus group commissioned by the SC Education Oversight Committee.

The EOC recently convened three focus groups of 26 total students from 24 high schools to examine student perceptions on school attendance. Focus groups consisted of students who self reported as having consistent attendance, medium attendance and low attendance.

The following themes emerged from the focus group as reasons for students missing school: school safety/poor school environment, lack of consequences, mental health issues, teacher shortages, transportation, apathy, and health issues.

“Many students mentioned that they thought mental health might be one of the major reasons for chronic absenteeism. They mentioned feeling overwhelmed. A term that kept coming up was ‘I don’t feel like getting out of bed’” said EOC communications manager Tenell Felder during the Dec. 9 full committee meeting.

According to the SC Department of Education, a K-12 student is chronically absent if they miss 50 percent or more of the instructional day, for any reason, or 10 percent or more of the

enrollment period. This includes excused absences, unexcused absences and suspensions.

Most recent SC School Report Card data indicates that the state’s chronically absenteeism rate is 22.5%, a figure which drew the attention of EOC members.

“We've got to address this holistically, with parents and teachers. We want to work with everyone to grapple this from all fronts, because I think this is all hands-on deck. If you're not in school, you cannot learn,” said Governor Henry McMaster’s appointee to the EOC Melanie Barton.

EOC Executive Director Dana Yow highlighted how wide-reaching chronic absenteeism is.

“This is an issue across the board, regardless of socio-economic status, this is impacting student achievement,” said Yow.  

Data indicates that chronic absenteeism does negatively impact student achievement. For example, only 23% of chronically absent 3rd through 8th graders are on grade level for math compared to 47% of non-chronically absent students.

Other identified factors contributing to chronic absenteeism include bullying, students and/or parents who unprioritized education, and the belief daily school attendance is not necessary.

EOC committee members requested to commission a parent focus study to gain more insight into parental perceptions on student absences in addition to a public awareness campaign.