Fully two-thirds of U.S. fourth graders are not reading proficiently, national assessments show. The numbers are even more dire for students from low-income families: 80 percent of them have not reached proficiency. Amid the search for solutions -- whether through better instruction, improved curriculum or third-grade retention policies --…

Chronic absenteeism--or missing 10 percent or more of school days for any reason--is a proven early warning sign of academic risk and school dropout. Too often, though, this problem is overlooked, especially among elementary students, because of the way attendance data are tracked. This study confirms the premise that districts and schools may…