President Biden Visits DC School Battling Increased Student Absenteeism Amidst Pandemic Fallout
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden made a special visit to Eliot-Hine Middle School in Washington, D.C., on Monday as schools across the country grapple with a surge in chronic student absenteeism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bidens aimed to highlight the challenges faced by schools and students during these trying times.
A recent study conducted by Stanford University education professor Thomas Dee and the Associated Press revealed that student absenteeism has reached record levels nationwide since the reopening of schools amidst the pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, 15 percent of students were chronically absent, but now that number has risen to over 25 percent. Washington, D.C., has been particularly hard-hit, with public school absenteeism ranking among the worst in the nation.
The study also brought attention to the fact that an estimated 6.5 million additional students have become chronically absent. The impact has been more pronounced among Latino, black, and low-income students. This further exacerbates the existing educational disparities in the country.
Furthermore, a prior study by the National Center for Education Statistics reported that more than 80 percent of U.S. public schools observed a negative impact on student behavior and socio-emotional development due to the pandemic. The need for additional support for student mental health has also been highlighted as a pressing concern.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, President Biden took action by securing $130 billion through the American Rescue Plan, the largest investment in the country’s public school system to date. The funding was intended to facilitate a safe return to in-person learning and support academic recovery. However, given the persistent challenges and slow recovery, questions have emerged regarding the effectiveness of the approach.
Addressing these concerns, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that there is still work to be done and affirmed the president’s commitment to further assisting schools and children. She noted that the previous administration’s lack of a comprehensive plan to tackle COVID-19 had resulted in more than 50 percent of schools being shut down when President Biden assumed office.
To help enhance understanding and provide insights into the administration’s efforts, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona will embark on a nationwide bus tour, explaining the measures being implemented to improve schools.
As the nation navigates the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic, President Biden’s visit to Eliot-Hine Middle School calls attention to the urgent need for concerted efforts in addressing the escalating issue of student absenteeism. With billions of dollars invested in the public school system, there is hope that the support will lead to positive outcomes and a more equitable educational landscape for all students.
