This policy brief examines the rising rates of chronic absenteeism in Nevada, defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, and its far-reaching impact on student outcomes. In the 2023–24 school year, 23 percent of students nationwide were chronically absent, with Nevada surpassing the national average at 25.6 percent.
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The brief explores key contributing factors such as poverty, school safety, food insecurity, and post-pandemic shifts in attitudes toward attendance. It also highlights the long-term academic, health, and economic consequences of missed instructional time, and presents a series of data-informed policy considerations aimed at supporting statewide efforts, such as Nevada’s “50 in 5” commitment to reduce chronic absenteeism by half within five years.

This is the first in a three-part series focused on actionable strategies to promote student engagement and success.