To combat absenteeism at this Minneapolis school, students are helping their peers get to class

Roosevelt High students are tackling chronic absenteeism by encouraging peers to attend classes, aiming to reverse alarming trends where 1 in 4 students statewide are absent regularly. This effort is part of a broader initiative funded by the state, aimed at improving student engagement and ultimately graduation rates. Data reveals that Roosevelt's graduation rate has fallen from 73% in 2019 to 65% in 2023, emphasizing the need for effective interventions. Student-led presentations highlighted that absenteeism heavily impacts Black and Hispanic students, stressing the importance of regular attendance for relationship building and career opportunities. Strategies such as "hall sweeps" initially motivated students but struggled with consistency over time.

Addie Wigg, a dropout prevention specialist, collaborated with students to refine their approaches. As the district prepares to enhance these initiatives next year, the student body expresses optimism about the impact of their efforts. Continued engagement remains crucial for overcoming attendance challenges.