A nationally representative August study by the University of Southern California has found that lower-income families are less likely to report the availability of mental health services in their schools compared to their White and higher-income counterparts. The study also found “striking patterns” relating chronic absenteeism and academic outcomes to student mental health concerns such as emotional symptoms, conduct problems and troubles with peers.
The findings come as at least 14 states cutting across regions and political leanings have committed to tackling chronic absenteeism by cutting rates in half over the next five years.
For more from K-12 Dive, click here.