Examining the Catholic School Effect on Absenteeism in Kindergarten: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Cohort

• In Event: 66.059 - Research in Diverse School Choice Contexts and Disciplines

Abstract

This study sought to explore potential associations between Catholic education and student attendance for children in kindergarten. Utilizing a nationally representative sample of kindergarteners from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study – Kindergarten Class of 2010-2011, this study used OLS regression and propensity score matching with an adjusted matching estimator to compare children in Catholic schools to students in other private and public schools. Results indicated that children attending Catholic school tended to have fewer absences, and the results were more pronounced when incorporating the matching adjustment. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Jacob Kirksey, University of California - Santa Barbara

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