Chronic Absence and Graduation of Black High School Students in an Urban School District

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: #GettingtoandthruCollege: Examining Black Students' Graduation Rates (Table 28)

Abstract

Reflecting on recent findings about (1) strikes in both graduation rates and chronic absenteeism in 2021-2022 and (2) continued lower graduation rates of Black students and students in poverty, this study examined how absences in Fall 2022 related to projected graduation of Black students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds in an urban high school. Quantitative analyses involved school records on grade levels, attendance, and preparedness for graduation. Results indicated a negative relationship between chronic absenteeism and preparedness for graduation, and steady increases in chronic absenteeism with 12th grade being its peak. Those results suggested a need for proactive engagement with students and families and early interventions especially for those who need to recover only 1-2 courses to meet graduation requirements.

Authors

• Jolan Smith, California State University - Long Beach

• Hiromi Masunaga, California State University - Long Beach