H.R.4220: Chronic Absenteeism Reduction in Every School (CARES) Act

H.R. 4220 would allow schools to use federal funds for activities that would address “chronic absenteeism,” a term that indicates a child missed 10% or more of the school year. Approximately half of the students who are chronically absent are concentrated in four percent of the nation’s school districts. This bill would allow schools to enact attendance programs that cater to their local needs by installing attendance data collection and analysis systems, partnering with local health, transportation, and social service providers, and implementing school-based mentoring programs.