Since the pandemic, Michigan schools have faced a persistent problem: Students are not showing up enough to class. 

In Detroit public schools, the chronic absenteeism rate has been higher than the rest of the state’s. Recently, that number has been decreasing.

In just one school year, chronic absenteeism dropped 10 percentage points. Even in comparison with other high-poverty school districts, a recent report shows Detroit public schools have been the most effective in the state at boosting attendance rates. 

Why? And, should other school districts take note of what’s happening in Detroit’s schools?

Jeremy Singer is an assistant professor of education policy and leadership at University of Michigan-Flint, and does research with Wayne State. He helped write that report, and spoke about it with The Metro‘s Robyn Vincent.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

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