Battling Chronic Absenteeism in Baltimore City Schools

The landscape of education in Maryland is facing a critical challenge: chronic student absenteeism. A groundbreaking bill proposed in January 2025 aims to address this pressing issue in Baltimore City schools, shedding light on a problem that has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to a January 2024 report from the Maryland Department of Education, attendance rates have dropped approximately 3% since 2016, with chronic absenteeism increasing by more than 10%. The statistics are particularly alarming for Baltimore City, which reported the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the state at 54% for the 2023 school year, in stark contrast to Howard County’s 18%. 

The proposed “Study and Report – Absences in Baltimore City Schools” bill represents a comprehensive approach to understanding and combating this educational crisis. The legislation would require the city’s public school system to conduct an in-depth analysis of attendance data from the 2023-24 school year. The report will explore various factors contributing to absenteeism, including students’ economic backgrounds, transportation availability, and parental involvement. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has already taken proactive steps to address the issue through the “Mayor’s Attendance Challenge.” This initiative encourages students to maintain consistent attendance by creating a friendly competition between schools. Mayor Scott emphasizes the critical nature of attendance, noting that it is “one of the most significant markers of a student’s achievement, connection in school, and success in future grades.” 

The bill mandates collaboration between the school district and city agencies to develop targeted recommendations. This holistic approach recognizes that solving chronic absenteeism requires more than just tracking numbers – it demands a nuanced understanding of the barriers students face. 

In September 2024, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provided a glimmer of hope, showing that Baltimore County had made the greatest strides in reducing chronic absenteeism. This progress suggests that targeted interventions can make a meaningful difference in student attendance and educational outcomes. 

As the bill moves forward for review by the Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee, it represents a critical step in addressing one of the most significant challenges facing Maryland’s education system. 

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