Chronic absenteeism: Are we watching the increasing collapse of the US public education system?

DURANGO, CO - Chronic absenteeism has emerged as a pressing and pervasive issue in the U.S. education system, representing a significant barrier to students' academic success and overall well-being.

According to a comprehensive report from the New York Times, the rate of chronic absenteeism has surged dramatically since the onset of the pandemic, with an estimated 26% of public-school students nationwide considered chronically absent last school year, up from 15% before the pandemic.

Duke University Professor Katie Rosanbalm stated that, thanks to the pandemic, “Our relationship with school became optional.”

This alarming increase transcends district boundaries and impacts students across varying sizes, income levels, and racial compositions.

The rise in absenteeism is not merely a statistical anomaly; it reflects profound shifts in the culture of school attendance and the broader societal challenges facing families.

The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted, ranging from health concerns and remote learning difficulties to deeper systemic issues affecting families across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Decades ago, University of Chicago President Robert Hutchins remarked, "The tremendous waste of time in the American education system must result from the fact that there is so much time to waste."

Echoing this sentiment, John Taylor Gatto, who was named New York's Teacher of the Year in 1991 by the New York State Education Department, pointed out, "Government schooling...kills the family by monopolizing the best times of childhood and by teaching disrespect for home and parents."

Amidst this backdrop of rising absenteeism and its detrimental impact on educational outcomes, a groundbreaking study from the University of California San Diego provides deeper insights into the inherent challenges and failures embedded within the education system itself.

The research, titled "Education or Indoctrination? The Violent Origins of Public-School Systems in an Era of State-Building" offers a comprehensive examination of state-funded education across 40 different countries, challenging traditional views of education as a tool solely for upward social mobility.

The study reveals that public primary schools were initially established by states to reinforce obedience among the masses and maintain social order.

Historical patterns from 1828 to 2015 demonstrate that education reforms, including the rise of mandatory primary schooling, often emerged in the aftermath of social unrest.

These reforms were strategically designed to indoctrinate children to accept the prevailing status quo, rather than addressing underlying economic or social issues directly.

So, the next time you wonder why you're learning algebra instead of financial literacy, remember: it's all part of the grand plan to keep you in line.

Agustina S. Paglayan, the study's author and a UC San Diego assistant professor, emphasizes the role of violence in shaping national elites' perceptions of societal order and the subsequent emergence of public education systems as tools to instill obedience.

This historical context provides a framework for understanding contemporary educational controversies, such as the debate over teaching critical race theory in the U.S.

Once we start looking at the public education system in this context, initiatives like The 1776 Commission gain significance.

Established by former President Donald J. Trump in response to the Black Lives Matter protests and the broader debate over racial inequality and systemic racism in the U.S., The 1776 Commission aimed to promote "patriotic education."

The commission's report sought to counter what it perceived as a "radicalized view of American history" and emphasize the principles of the nation's founding, aiming to unite Americans around the ideas of individual creativity, a drive to succeed, and a shared sense of national identity.

Furthermore, the UC San Diego research integrates qualitative evidence from school textbooks, parliamentary debates, and political writings across various countries.

It highlights how primary education has been used as a policy tool to prevent future rebellions and promote long-term societal order, rather than fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability among students.

This systemic approach to education inadvertently perpetuates failure by failing to adapt to changing societal needs and challenges.

It restricts opportunities for upward mobility, reinforces existing inequalities, and undermines the potential of education to serve as a transformative force for individuals and communities. Sound familiar?

Chronic absenteeism and the systemic failures highlighted by the UC San Diego study represent dual challenges facing the U.S. education system.

Both issues are interconnected and reflect broader societal challenges that require comprehensive solutions. Perhaps the public education system could benefit from competition, as seen in the business world.

Why not let us use our tax money to choose what kind of education we want our children to experience? Teachers’ unions are large and very much a lobbying force, but school choice policies are a thing; 14 states currently have them. Competition can be created.

Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach that considers the diverse reasons behind student disengagement, develops targeted interventions to support students and families, and prioritizes equity, inclusivity, and adaptability in educational reforms.

So, let's roll up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps, and maybe, just maybe, we can turn the education system into something that works for everyone.

As we look to the future, it's crucial to reimagine education as a pathway to freedom, empowerment, and achievement. The education system should not only prepare students for the workforce but also cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

It should inspire a love of learning, foster a sense of curiosity, and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-changing world.

After all, isn't education supposed to be the key to unlocking our potential and shaping a brighter future?

By investing in education that prioritizes individual growth, celebrates diversity, and promotes lifelong learning, rather than forcing a lock-and-step march towards failure, we can create a society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and pursue their dreams.

Let's challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and work together to build an education system that truly benefits our future, grows the idea of freedom, and fosters achievement for all.