TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Northwest Education Services (North Ed) and area school districts have announced the launch of the Attendance Alliance, a collaborative initiative to prioritize student presence in the classroom. This effort is rooted in the understanding that for every student, success starts with showing up.
By uniting as a region, these districts aim to ensure that all students have consistent access to equal learning opportunities and the specialized support provided within school buildings.
Beyond academic instruction, the classroom serves as a vital space for social emotional learning. The daily connections students make with their peers and educators are fundamental in helping them grow into capable and confident learners.
The North Ed region – which includes school districts in the five counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau – had nearly 4,600 students, or about 23% of the total student headcount, who were considered chronically absent during the 2024-25 school year, according to MI School Data, Michigan’s official education data source.
By comparison, of the roughly 1.39 million students throughout Michigan, nearly 388,000 – or about 28% – were considered chronically absent that school year. Michigan defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% or more of scheduled school days.
“While we are making progress in regular school attendance as a region and state, we know there are still students who are missing out on critical learning time,” said Dr. Tara Mager, superintendent at North Ed. “Thriving kids start with strong academic foundations, and that begins with being present for learning. Research shows us that chronic absenteeism directly impacts students’ academic performance, reading proficiency, graduation rates and more. Every day in the classroom matters. It’s where students build essential skills and engage in meaningful learning that will support their success throughout life. Showing up is the first, and most essential step on that pathway.”
The Attendance Alliance focuses on the idea that when students are present, they are able to engage in the collaborative environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. These local school districts are committed to working with families to address challenges that may make it difficult for students to regularly attend school.
Attendance Works, a national nonprofit initiative focused on improving school attendance, notes that certain barriers, such as illnesses, family responsibilities, poor transportation or housing and food insecurity, can lead to chronic absenteeism. Other reasons could be aversions a student has, such as avoiding school because of academic struggles or if the school is perceived as unwelcoming. A lack of opportunities or support at school can lead to a student feeling disengaged and be a contributing factor in absenteeism, while misconceptions about the consequences of missing school can also be a reason that leads to greater absences.
The Attendance Alliance campaign will continue now through the end of the school year in early June, with area districts sharing information on social media and directly with families and employees to highlight the importance of regular attendance. By fostering a culture where every student feels valued and missed when they are absent, local districts are working together to build a strong foundation for the future of all students.
For more information about the Attendance Alliance and resources to support student attendance, please contact your local school district office.
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