2022–2023 California State Dashboard Chronic Absence Indicator

Equity, Access, and Social Justice Guiding Principle:

All students are given an equal opportunity to graduate with the greatest number of postsecondary choices from the widest array of options.

All students are given an equal opportunity to graduate with the greatest number of postsecondary choices from the widest array of options.

“Chronic absenteeism impacts all students—no matter their age. Students that miss just two days a month for any reason are more likely to not read at grade level, and more likely to not graduate.”

Welcome

The CARE Team—Connect, Ask, Relate, Engage—is dedicated to improving student attendance and engagement across Sacramento City Unified School District. Our work is grounded in building meaningful connections with students, families, and schools to remove barriers to attendance and ensure every student succeeds.

We operate through three key programs:

Regional Site Program

Provides direct support to school sites, offering staff training, attendance strategies, and family engagement resources tailored to individual school needs.

FOCUS Program

A targeted, multi-tiered initiative supporting schools with the highest chronic absenteeism rates through mentorship, family workshops, and engagement activities to build a positive school culture.

Tier III Program

Delivers intensive case management through the District Attendance Response Team (DART), working collaboratively with families to address attendance challenges and avoid legal interventions.

Together, we work to ensure every student feels connected, supported, and able to succeed.

Quick Links

Resources

Explore educational and community resources that can help to ensure a child has the support they need to reach their full potential.

Family and Community Empowerment (FACE)

The Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) Department provides training, information and technical assistance to all SCUSD schools in the creation of effective school-family partnerships. 

Student Attendance & Engagement

Chronic absence directly affects student engagement. Through various programs and partnerships, we are determined to decrease chronic absenteeism and increase student graduation.

Articles and Resources

Combating chronic absenteeism, more districts are working to create a “culture of belonging”

Connecting to Curb Chronic Absenteeism

Sacramento students are missing more school than ever. See how your school district fares

Options for Seriously Ill or Hospitalized Students

Students who are unable to attend school due to serious injury or illness for a period of three weeks or more may be provided home instruction. The student’s condition must be verified by a physician. Students with mental health conditions must present authorization from a physician and a treatment plan from their doctor. A student with a temporary physical, mental or emotional disability who is hospitalized or receiving care in a residential health facility, excluding state hospitals, for a determined amount of time may receive a plan from their therapist. A student with a temporary physical, mental or emotional disability who is hospitalized or receiving care in a residential health facility, excluding state hospitals, may receive individual instruction from the school district in which the facility is located. The family is responsible for notifying the school district about the student’s need for educational services. Contact our district’s Home-Hospital Liaison Nicole Castles at (916) 826-4379 to obtain information about eligibility and educational options. (EC § 48206.3-48208)