A GAO review found implausible federal chronic-absence rates at about 2.5% of schools in 2022-23, including some with reported rates of 100%. Enrollment is counted on Oct. 1, while absences are tallied over the full year, making comparisons unreliable, the watchdog said.
GAO recommends counting enrolled and chronically absent students over the same period and issuing guidance on reporting students who attend only part of the day. The Education Department agreed to issue the partial-day guidance but opposed changing the count, saying the limitation is already noted and additional state reporting could be burdensome. GAO said states already collect enrollment figures for students enrolled at least 10 days, so added work could be minimal. Chronic absenteeism means missing at least 10% of school days in a year.
GAO also urged the department to resume comprehensive monitoring of states’ federal fiscal and program requirements. The department said it paused comprehensive monitoring in 2026 but conducts targeted monitoring and will announce a plan for next year. GAO warned that without comprehensive monitoring of states’ implementation of Title I fiscal rules, billions of dollars could be subject to fraud, waste and abuse. Title I formula grants totaled more than $18 billion in 2025.
