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More than 4,000 pupils with the very highest rates of absenteeism are currently referred to specialists for help but it is unclear how many of these are linked to "emotionally based school avoidance".

Estyn said issues such as absenteeism, vaping, lateness and social media misuse were "widespread" and students still struggled with the effects of the Covid pandemic on their social skills and resilience.

The lawmakers pointed to recent National Assessment of Educational Progress results, which showed national scores below pre-pandemic levels in all grades and subjects, and continued high rates of chronic absenteeism.

“There was more absenteeism than you would normally expect,” Gemoets said.

The district targets areas that the state measures — reading and math test scores — but also graduation rates, college preparation, chronic absenteeism and suspension rates.