Connecticut's LEAP Program Significantly Reduces Student Chronic Absenteeism Post-Pandemic
Connecticut's Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), initiated in 2021 with federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, has been declared a success in combating chronic student absenteeism. The program deploys trained home visitors to families with children at risk of missing school, building relationships, identifying barriers, and connecting them with necessary resources. Since its inception, chronic absenteeism in Connecticut has decreased from a peak of 23.7% in the 2021-2022 school year to 16.4% in the most recent school year, representing a reduction of approximately 35,000 students. This figure, while still above pre-pandemic levels, marks a substantial improvement. Governor Ned Lamont and state officials celebrated LEAP's five-year anniversary, highlighting its effectiveness. The program, which started in 15 high-need districts, now serves 25 and plans further expansion, with a $7 million state budget allocation replacing the expired ARPA funding. Attendance Works CEO Hedy Chang a...