Hinsdale D81 Teacher Absenteeism Higher Than State's

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale School District 181's teacher absenteeism was slightly higher than the statewide average last school year.

According to the Illinois Report Card, 38 percent of District 181's teachers were absent for at least 10 days. That was compared to the statewide average of 36 percent.

The previous year, District 181's rate was 40 percent, compared with the state's 34 percent.

Meanwhile, 47 percent of teachers at Hinsdale High School District 86 missed at least 10 days last school year. That was among the highest rates in the area.

Patch reviewed the rates in 30 area districts. Some places have much lower rates such as Burr Ridge-based Pleasantdale District 107 (0 percent) and Western Springs District 101 (10 percent).

Under state law, the rate does not include absences for professional development, leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, long-term disability or parental leave.

The U.S. Department of Education sees teacher attendance as a leading indicator of student achievement. Teachers with regular attendance provide continuity of instruction and attention to individual students, according to the Illinois Report Card.

"The National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that when teachers are absent for 10 days or more, student outcomes decrease significantly," the report card said. "Teacher absence results in loss of instruction time for students, as well as financial concerns to the district when substitutes must be employed."