The document discusses chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing more than 10% of the school year for any reason. It finds that as many as 7.5 million US students miss nearly a month of school annually. Chronic absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance and increased risk of dropping out. The study examined chronic absenteeism data from 2006-2010 in Kent County school districts, finding higher rates in urban areas with greater poverty. Chronically absent students were twice as likely to receive free lunch. Improving attendance requires leadership, policies, parent outreach, and addressing barriers to attendance.