Lynn Valley Elementary
North Vancouver School District
News Item

Attendance Matters

November 19, 2015

Yes, attendance does matter, even if it is only a few days. Research has shown that students who attend less that 90% of the time (this is the equivalent to ½ day per week; students who miss several consecutive days are even more at risk) have greater academic struggles, disengage from school, and are at risk for not graduating. It also removes them from their social circles and can make it challenging for them to reintegrate back with friends, particularly if they have missed important social bonding situations.

Absenteeism is the "most common indicator of overall student engagement, and a significant predictor of dropping out. For almost all young people, discontinuing school is not a sudden act, but a gradual process of disengagement; attendance patterns are a clear early sign" (Silent Epidemic, 2006)

Please see Attendance Matters for a school district document regarding the importance of regular school attendance.