Chronic absenteeism in public schools has become a growing concern across the United States, with rates peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. In New Mexico, the issue has been particularly severe. Data from state and federal sources show that between 2019 and 2023, chronic absenteeism among students in New Mexico increased by 119%. In 2023 alone, over 124,000 students in the state missed at least 18 days of school.
The consequences of chronic absenteeism are significant. According to a 2024 report from the Legislative Finance Committee, students who are chronically absent are 13% to 14% less likely to achieve proficiency in English, math, and science compared to their peers. Additionally, a rise of 10% in chronic absenteeism among third through fifth graders led to a corresponding drop of 5% in overall class proficiency.
In response to this challenge, Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) have partnered with New Mexico State University’s School of Social Work since 2021 as part of the Attendance for Success program. The initiative involves NMSU social work students analyzing attendance data and working directly with families and students to identify barriers contributing to absences.
The program provides NMSU students with paid professional experience and practicum credits while helping LCPS improve its attendance rates. Maribel Tellez, practicum director for the School of Social Work, said: “I know there have been some incredible milestones that the district has reached. Our LCPS partners have been so impressed by our student work and the success that they’ve had that they’re planning to take the program around the state and implement it in other school districts.”
Initially employing four NMSU students in its first year, LCPS now hires about two dozen each year for the program. A new group began work this fall. Tellez explained: “Their basic goal is increasing attendance and getting students back into the classroom. Our students are the boots on the ground, contacting families, meeting with students, and discussing the barriers and challenges of attending school.”
Mentorship is another important component of the initiative. NMSU students lead mentorship groups at multiple elementary, middle, and high schools within LCPS using enrichment activities based on Kenneth Ginsburg’s “The Seven C’s: The Essential Building Blocks of Resilience.” During the 2024-2025 academic year, data show that 82% of participating LCPS students improved their attendance while 77% saw better academic performance. By year-end, LCPS reported a chronic absenteeism rate of 29%.
“That’s a good success,” said Kathy Vigil, student attendance and engagement support coordinator for LCPS.
Vigil credited much of this progress to NMSU social work students involved in the program: “We love them,” she said. “The kids love them. Our staff love them. It’s been so great for our kids because they find NMSU students so relatable. NMSU has done an incredible job preparing these students for this type of work. They bring so much energy and dedication and have helped our kids improve their attendance and academic performance.”
A version of this story originally appeared in Pinnacle magazine from New Mexico State University’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation. The full article can be found at https://pinnacle.nmsu.edu/.
