Chronic absenteeism has surged since the pandemic, and the numbers tell only part of the story. In this episode of EDUcation Unscripted & Xplored, Kari and Mark dig into what's really driving students away from school and what it takes to bring them back. 

From transportation barriers and mental health challenges to school climates where students don't feel safe or seen, the root causes are complex, deeply human, and often hidden behind a simple count of missed days. From data and empathy to flexible school designs and whole-community approaches, this episode offers practical insight for educators, administrators, families, and community members who believe that every student deserves a school that feels like a place for them.

Views expressed are the co-hosts' own and not those of the University of Iowa or its College of Education.