FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2024

Novato Unified School District Achieves Significant Reduction in Chronic Absenteeism

Novato, CA – The Novato Unified School District (NUSD) is proud to announce a major achievement in reducing chronic absenteeism through the Decreasing Chronic Absenteeism Network (d.CAN). The initiative has successfully decreased the district’s K-8 chronic absenteeism rate from 18.50% in the 2022-2023 school year to 7.7% in the 2023-2024 school year, exceeding the initial goal of 9%.

Key highlights of the d.CAN impact include:

  • Chronic Absenteeism Reduction: The district achieved a -10.8% decrease in chronic absenteeism from 2022-2023, which is now just ~1% higher than pre-pandemic rates.
  • Improvement Across Schools: Significant improvements were observed across all participating schools, with several moving from red to green on the California Dashboard for Chronic Absenteeism.
  • Student Group Improvements: All student groups saw a reduction in absenteeism, with notable decreases among Hispanic, Filipino, and multi-racial students.
  • Attendance and Academic Engagement: The district’s K-8 April attendance count increased from 93.83% to 95.39%, 2022-2023 to 2023-2024 respectively, resulting in more students being present and engaged in learning.

Superintendent Dr. Tracy Smith expressed her pride in the district’s efforts, stating, “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and community. The d.CAN initiative has made a tangible difference in our students’ lives, ensuring they are present and prepared to learn each day.”

The d.CAN initiative focused on continuous improvement strategies, addressing attendance drivers through enhanced communication, fostering a positive school culture and climate, and establishing robust attendance structures and routines.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, over an academic year. This can equate to approximately 18 days in a typical 180-day school year.

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