Date of Graduation

12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Advisor/Mentor

Lasater, Kara A.

Committee Member

Smith, Christy L.

Second Committee Member

Pijanowski, John C.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine factors contributing to chronic student absenteeism in two lower socioeconomic urban elementary schools. This qualitative study was guided by two research questions: 1) What are stakeholders’ perspectives on chronic absenteeism at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries? and 2) What changes to practice or policy could improve attendance at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries? Research question one was answered via data collected from interviews with purposefully selected parents, teachers, administrators, social workers, and nurses. Analysis of interview data led to the identification of three themes which reflect stakeholders’ perspectives on chronic absenteeism at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries. These interrelated themes include: factors contributing to absenteeism (i.e., lack of parental concern, financial hardships, parent or child health problems, lack of a reliable support system, and familial trauma and mental health problems), parent accountability, and entrenched deficit perspectives. Research question two was answered via interviews with participants and pre-existing textual data (e.g., school policies, school attendance meetings, attendance guides). Data revealed strategies currently implemented by Mission and Lincoln Elementaries to improve attendance and strategies which could be implemented or adapted to better address students and families’ needs. These findings were used to develop specific recommendations for addressing chronic student absenteeism at Mission and Lincoln Elementaries.

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