Examining Trends of Absenteeism of Kindergartners With Disabilities in the Face of Changes in Educational Policies and Practices

• In Event: The Benefits and Consequences of Educational Data Systems

Abstract

Over the last decade, researchers and policymakers have raised awareness of the consequences of missing school, and students with disabilities (SWDs) are especially important to consider given these students are disproportionately more absent than their peers. No research exists examining how rates of absenteeism of SWDs has changed in the last two decades. Using nationally representative data from 1998-99 and 2010-11, this study examined trends in absenteeism for SWDs in the context of schooling factors that might relate to potential shifts. Findings suggest that SWDs are increasingly absent from school, and this upward trend is more substantial than the general trend for all students. Contextual differences and policy implications are discussed.

Authors

• Michael A. Gottfried, University of Pennsylvania

• Vi-Nhuan Le, NORC at the University of Chicago

• Jacob Kirksey, Texas Tech University