Reduced Absenteeism, Improved Graduation Rates Highlight School Dashboard Release

The annual update to the California School Dashboard, the state’s annual report card for K-12 public schools, was released today. It provides a transparent overview of how schools and districts are performing across key indicators. Each school in the state has a page on the Dashboard that displays simple graphics and a color rating system from red (lowest) to blue (highest). Indicators include results from statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, chronic absenteeism, suspension rate, and English learner progress. Additionally, high schools are scored on graduation rates and college and career readiness. 

“The accountability tool empowers families and educators by offering a clear picture of school performance across multiple indicators,” said Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu. “The Dashboard is a valuable tool to help schools, parents, and communities work together for student success.”

A highlight of today’s release was the vast improvement in one indicator that experts say is particularly important—chronic absenteeism, defined as a student missing 10 percent or more of the school year. 

“Missing just two days a month can create significant learning gaps and make it harder for students to catch up, especially in the early grades when foundational skills are formed,” Mendiburu said. 

Efforts to get students back into the classroom post pandemic are paying off, with schools implementing strategies such as attendance celebrations, increased family outreach, and collaborations with community organizations.

New data show chronic absenteeism rates have declined significantly in many Kern County districts, with collective improvements across the region. Last year, 18.9 percent of students countywide were chronically absent, down from 24.4 percent in the year before.

In the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) — the state’s largest K-8 school district serving more than 29,000 students — more than 30 percent of students were chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year. Last fall, the district launched the #180DaysOfSchool attendance campaign to educate families about the importance of daily attendance.

Their efforts were fruitful.

Through tools like social media outreach, attendance-tracking coloring pages, and community events, BCSD made a marked improvement, shedding 7 percent off its chronic absence rate during the 2023-24 school year.

“The difference was more than just numbers,” said Trish Rocha, who oversaw the campaign. “Families became more aware of how every day in the classroom matters.”

Many Kern County school districts fared even better, albeit serving fewer students. The small, rural districts of Elk Hills and General Shafter, for example, both dropped their chronic absence rate by more than 20 percentage points last school year.

“I’m so proud of our entire staff for making our school attendance campaign a top priority,” said General Shafter Superintendent Chris Salyards. “Our students truly embraced the importance of coming to school.”

Salyards attributed the rise in attendance to a strategic approach centered on three main priorities. First, the district implemented reward programs to motivate students, providing tangible recognition that fostered a sense of accomplishment. Second, a strong emphasis was placed on health and wellness, including proper nutrition and access to health resources, creating a supportive environment where students were ready to learn. Finally, the district expanded extracurricular opportunities like clubs, sports, and creative programs, making school more engaging and helping students feel a sense of belonging that encouraged consistent attendance.

“These initiatives created an environment where students felt motivated to attend daily,” Salyards said. 

Meanwhile, Kern County graduation rates also improved slightly to 86.8 percent (up from 85.4 percent the year prior). The Delano Joint Union High School District, McFarland Unified, and Tehachapi Unified led the way, each with over a 95% graduation rate.