Ontario is set to implement a policy that will dock marks from absent high school students starting next fall, aiming to combat chronic absenteeism that has persisted since the pandemic. Education Minister Paul Calandra confirmed the plan at a North York school this week, stating that the new rule will add a compulsory attendance component to high school grades. The policy, announced in April 2026, currently applies only to secondary schools, but Calandra hinted at potential expansion to elementary levels based on educator interest.
Chronic absenteeism remains high post-pandemic
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing more than 10% of school days (about two days per month), spiked during the pandemic and has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Ontario Ministry of Education data shows that only 40% of secondary students met the provincial attendance standard—attending class on 90% of available days—in the 2024-25 school year, down from 60% before COVID-19. In elementary schools, 55% of students met the standard in 2024-25, compared to 70% pre-pandemic.
This trend is not unique to Ontario. Attendance Works, a California-based nonprofit, reports that 46% of U.S. schools still had high rates of chronic absenteeism in the 2024-25 academic year, nearly double the 25% rate in 2017-18, though down from 63% in 2021-22.
Policy details and rationale
Minister Calandra said the policy “corrects a system that previously did not require actual student participation.” He added, “I think this is an important change and it absolutely reflects what teachers and high-school teachers have told me would help them get better management of their classrooms and would help prepare their students for the real world.” The policy will tie attendance to grades, though specific implementation details, such as how much marks will be docked, have not yet been released.
Calandra also noted that some elementary educators have expressed interest in similar measures, saying, “Some of the educators at the elementary level are very interested in some of the attendance and participation changes at the secondary level, and have also expressed some desire to see some of that at the elementary level. But we’ll see how it goes.” This suggests the policy could expand if the secondary school rollout proves successful.
Criticism and concerns
Not everyone is pleased with the plan. Critics argue that tying grades to attendance may penalize students for legitimate absences due to illness, mental health issues, or family responsibilities. They also point out that the pandemic fundamentally changed attitudes toward school attendance, with remote learning making it easier for students to miss in-person classes. The Ontario government has not yet announced any exemptions or accommodations for such cases.
As schools close for summer, the policy is set to take effect in fall 2026, with the province hoping to reverse the post-COVID attendance decline. Whether it will achieve its goal or face pushback remains to be seen.
