UChicago Consortium presents attendance research; principals and fund representatives urge investment in leadership and data

Researchers from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research presented new findings to the board showing that chronic absenteeism has risen since the pandemic and that school climate and principal leadership are strongly associated with better attendance outcomes.

Marissa Dela Torre and William Delgado described three key findings: absence rates remain elevated in Chicago and nationally; attendance still strongly correlates with academic outcomes; and schools varied substantially in attendance patterns before and after the pandemic. Delgado highlighted that attendance was higher in schools where students and teachers reported a strong school climate and that principals who prioritized relational approaches saw better attendance trends.

Two principals — Principal White James of Avalon Park Personalized Learning Magnet Cluster and Paul Carafield of Lakeview High School — described local strategies for improving attendance and outcomes, including leadership development, family engagement and data use. Representatives from the Chicago Public Education Fund urged continued support for timely, accessible data systems so principals can act on trends.

The presentation prompted board discussion about resourcing for principal development and data systems; staff said CPS is implementing refreshed data tools and encouraged ongoing collaboration with school leaders.