Statewide chronic absenteeism rates improved for the third straight year, falling to less than 17% – a threshold few northeast Indiana districts exceeded, according to new data released today.

Regular attendance is vital to ensuring more students master foundational reading and math skills and graduate from high school prepared for their futures, said Katie Jenner, Indiana education secretary.

"As statewide chronic absenteeism rates continue to move in the right direction – improving for the third consecutive year – we know there is still more to be done," she said in a statement. "Together, we must continue to elevate the value of education and the direct link between attendance and long-term success."

Students are considered chronically absent if they miss at least 10% of school days,

See Full Page