(LANSING) - School districts across Michigan are trying new strategies to improve student attendance.
Some districts are using competitions and incentive programs to reduce chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing at least 10 percent of the school year.
In Muskegon County, Oakridge Public Schools and Holton Public Schools have launched a joint attendance challenge aimed at boosting participation in the classroom.
The effort includes rewards and recognition for students who maintain strong attendance, along with campaigns to highlight the importance of showing up to school.
State data shows nearly 28 percent of students in Michigan meet the threshold for chronic absenteeism.
Educators say the goal is to identify attendance issues early and encourage consistent participation as part of broader efforts to improve academic outcomes.