Norwalk schools report progress on attendance and chronic absenteeism among high needs students

Norwalk Public Schools is making strides in addressing chronic absenteeism, with recent data showing that the district's rates are closely aligned with state averages. During the Board Business Meeting on February 26, 2025, officials reported that the chronic absenteeism rate for Norwalk stands at 18.9%, just above the state level of 17.1%. This achievement is particularly notable given the district's higher needs population, which typically experiences greater absenteeism.

Ms. Fayouis, a key presenter at the meeting, highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain attendance levels, especially among high-need students. Despite recent fluctuations, the district has seen positive trends in attendance among its high needs population, which has historically performed better than state averages. However, a concerning drop in attendance was noted among Multilingual Learners (MLL) following January 20, attributed to heightened fears related to immigration status. This demographic's average daily attendance fell by approximately 5 percentage points, prompting the district to closely monitor the situation.

The meeting also addressed the importance of community engagement and support for students, particularly in high schools where absenteeism tends to be higher. Initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive school culture have shown promise, with some schools reporting significant reductions in absenteeism rates. For instance, P TECH has successfully lowered its chronic absenteeism from 21.5% to 15.3%.

In addition to attendance, the district is also focusing on student behavior and discipline. Year-to-date incidents have decreased by 12%, reflecting improvements in school climate and culture. However, disparities remain, particularly concerning the suspension rates of Black students, which continue to be disproportionately high despite overall reductions in incidents.

As Norwalk Public Schools continues to navigate these challenges, the commitment to improving attendance and fostering an inclusive environment remains a priority. The district plans to maintain its focus on data-driven strategies and community involvement to support all students in achieving their educational goals.