Missing in School: What can we do for NYC's chronically absent kids?

Tableau MICA Project Prototype.

After reviewing attendance data for enrolled K-12 students in NYC, it's become apparent that far too many kids are chronically absent and certain groups of students could be facing disparity leading to become chronically absent.

Chronically absent students miss 9/10 days of school. In 2018-2023, 3 million students in K-12 were chronically absent.

Who are these students and what are the possibilities of why students are chronically absent? I'm a previous NYC k-12 student (born and raised NYer!) and can see potential possibilities, including transportation issues. Students may not have access to transport, whether it's due to distance, living situation, finances, time, or more.

In my presentation proposal, I had a theortical idea to advise MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) policymakers on increasing the accessibility of the student metrocard. Can students have access to more allotted time using their student card? Can we expand who gets reduced faire? This could significantly reduce those who are chronically absent and absent alike.

To my surprise, after completing this project and course, there was indeed new changes to the student metrocard system.