Identifying the Determinants of Chronic Absenteeism: A Bioecological Systems Approach

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Research in Early Education and Child Development

Abstract

Though prior research has examined underlying drivers of chronic absenteeism, such as educational disengagement, family structure, and student-teacher interactions, there is no overarching consensus on the set of drivers that matter the most. Accordingly, the objective of our study was to examine chronic absenteeism in kindergarten on a nationwide scale through the theoretical lens of Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model of development (Bronfenbrenner, 1994; Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006). Specifically, our primary research question was: What are the bioecological factors of chronic absenteeism? The new knowledge gained from our study is critical for influencing ways that both policymakers and practitioners can target the youngest children who are most susceptible to excessive absenteeism.

Authors

• Michael A. Gottfried, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Kevin A. Gee, University of California - Davis