The Missing Link: Bridging the Gap between School Climate Policies and the Harsh Reality of Chicago Public Schools that Leads to Chronic Absenteeism

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism poses a significant challenge in education, recognized nationally as an "educational crisis" by the U.S. Department of Education. Within the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system, this issue manifests in low graduation and matriculation rates across multiple schools. This study investigates a pivotal factor influencing student attendance: school climate. Drawing on dimensions emphasized by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) - safety, relationships, and institutional structures - the research adopts a multifaceted approach. The study integrates administrative data from the state of Illinois with on-site observations at a CPS high school grappling with chronic absenteeism. The findings suggest that despite conditions conducive to absenteeism, schools can implement strategies to combat it. By identifying and enhancing elements of school climate, institutions can significantly enhance their attendance rates.