Truancy improves and test scores hold steady in new schools data
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ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 29, 2025 – Minnesota’s educators are starting the new school year hoping truancy will continue the decline shown in new state data released Friday, said Monica Byron, president of the Education Minnesota.
“Minnesota’s public schools continue to offer an excellent education, but students who aren’t in class miss out,” Byron said. “Today’s data show more students are showing up for school. Consistent attendance is vital for a productive learning environment. Let’s all hope that continues.”
While statewide scores on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments held steady in reading and math, the Minnesota Department of Education reported consistent attendance rates improved again. Statewide, 75.5 percent of students attended at least 90 percent of the time in the 2023-24 school year, up from 74.5 percent in the 2022-23 school year. Truancy data has a one-year lag behind other data releases.
At a finer level, the state also reported improvement in attendance for students of color, English learners, students in special education and students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The MDE reported that increases for students who are Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, or English learners were about double the statewide increase.
“There are some promising trends in this data, but the numbers never tell the whole story about a student or a school,” Byron said. “Every student is more than a test score or an attendance figure. Every school has its own strengths and weaknesses. Factors like students who opt-out of testing can make proficiency scores at the building level highly suspect. Parents who want to know what’s happening should talk to their child’s teacher or principal.”
Byron said one of the biggest challenges facing educators this school year will be the staffing shortage affecting more than 80 percent of districts, which has been worsened by below-market pay, soaring health care costs and a pension system that still needs some improvement after a significant upgrade by the 2025 Legislature.
“This has been a tough week for educators across the state as we all grapple with the physical danger of teaching in America,” she said. “On top of that, too many educators are struggling to pay their bills. The health insurance companies are pricing some educators out of their jobs and draining money away from classrooms. If Minnesota wants to improve academic achievement, our state needs to get serious about caring for its educators and students.”
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
