KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Louisiana K-12 unexcused absences remain above 40% since 2020

Truancy highest in Tensas, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, and St. Landry parishes

Chronic absenteeism statewide is 22.5%, slightly below national average

High truancy linked to greater dropout and substance abuse risks

The rate of Louisiana K-12 students missing school without an excuse has remained higher than average since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from the nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana.

Over the past 11 years, the statewide truancy rate has averaged 36%. But since the 2020-21 school year, it has been consistently over 40%, according to the report.

Louisiana defines truancy as having unexcused absences for five or more school days per semest

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