I’d be lying if I said that my two teenagers are always on time for school. Mornings can be tough. Studies show that young people experience a shift in their circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep earlier at night, affecting wake-up times. In response, many school districts have begun mandating later start times, an example of how evidence-based research can directly shape policy.
The shift to chronic absenteeism: Beyond the morning bell
But lateness is only part of the story. Educational consultants point to a more concerning trend: chronic absenteeism. Defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, it has become a significant issue since the pandemic.
From my GenX perspective, not sure about other folks, there’s been a noticeable shift in how students view attendance compared to when I was in high school. For some (not my children, of course), being in class can feel optional, especially if attendance isn’t tied to grades. That perception raises important questions about engagement, accountability, and what school represents today.
Why attendance policies and student engagement are evolving
Recently, the Ontario government proposed mandating attendance, reinforcing the idea that showing up is a key indicator of engagement and predictor of future success. Researchers suggest that when students disengage from school, it often signals deeper challenges in their lives. However, data on absenteeism across Canada is inconsistent and incomplete, making it hard for policymakers to respond effectively.
Bridging the data gap: Using qualitative research for better outcomes
Efforts by CBC News to collect data from school districts revealed just how fragmented the landscape is. Even where quantitative data exists, it often lacks the qualitative insights needed to explain why students are missing school. Numbers can show trends, but they cannot tell the full story. Qualitative research uncovers the reasons behind the motivations, barriers, and lived experiences that shape behavior.
This is exactly the kind of work we focus on at Ideba. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, we move beyond surface-level insights to develop a deeper, more actionable understanding. Whether the challenge is school attendance or something entirely different, the goal is the same: to inform decisions with both validated evidence and human insight. Because in the end, better outcomes depend not just on measuring what’s happening, but on truly understanding the reasons why.
Tamara Clarke – Research Manager
