We spend a lot of time dwelling on academics on these pages, from how to improve reading to how to spend education dollars most effectively. Today, we are confronting a precursor to any of that mattering: Getting kids into the classroom.

A new state task force was launched this week to study chronic absenteeism — and to support the development of a strategy to address the problem in Illinois’ public K-12 schools. Members must submit a report to the General Assembly by Dec. 15, 2027, with their recommendations.

First, the good. The task force will loop in experts and solicit outside voices who will weigh in with their perspective. The resulting strategy is supposed to include ideas to build out a “system of support that promotes ongoing professional development and equips school-based and

See Full Page