Multi-Tiered Approaches to Improving School Attendance: A Review of the Evidence and Future Directions for Schools

• In Event: From Research to Recovery: Innovative Approaches for Promoting School Attendance from Australia

Abstract

1. Objectives or purposes
School attendance rates have declined dramatically in many countries since the Covid-19 pandemic. This decline has stimulated interest in comprehensive evidence-based methods of improving attendance. A review of the interventions and programs that improve attendance and address absenteeism regardless was undertaken. This presentation will report on a subset of this review that addresses comprehensive multi-tiered approaches to improving attendance and reducing absenteeism.
2. Perspective(s) or theoretical framework
The multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a widely used framework within educational settings that provides an increasing level of academic and behavioural support to meet increasing levels of need. Kearney and Graczyk’s (2022) adapted the MTSS framework to focus on improving attendance and responding to absenteeism. This model includes three tiers. Tier 1 strategies are universal and aim to promote attendance and reduce risk factors for non-attendance in all students. Tier 2 strategies aim to provide support to students whose attendance is at risk or who have known risk factors for absenteeism. Tier 3 interventions aim to provide support to students with existing attendance problems.
3. Methods, techniques, or modes of inquiry
A larger rapid review was undertaken of all practices and interventions for improving school attendance and reducing absenteeism. Included in the review were interventions for school attendance that directly aimed to improve attendance or reduce absenteeism as well as those that had other primary targets, such as improving mental health or academic engagement, but also measured the impact of the intervention on attendance.
4. Data sources, evidence, objects, or materials
Selected databases (PsycINFO, Medline, ERIC, and A+ Education Informit) were searched for records published from January 1 2000 to August 21 2023. Search terms ranged across three domains of interest, namely, school students, treatments/interventions, and school attendance/absenteeism.
Five hundred seventy-four records met inclusion criteria for the larger review. However, this report focuses on the five peer-reviewed journal articles that reported on an intervention that addressed more than one tier (Balfanz et al., 2018; Cook et al., 2017, Osher et al., 2014; Peek et al., 2009; Young et al., 2020).
5. Results and/or substantiated conclusions or warrants for arguments/point of view
All five studies reported improvements in attendance for at least some students following implementation of the multi-tiered intervention. Studies ranged from single school case studies to a randomized controlled trial involving 146 schools. Interventions included tier 1 and 2 strategies (three studies), tier 1 and 3 strategies (one study) and all tiers (one study).
6. Scientific or scholarly significance of the study or work
MTSS for school attendance is a promising approach to addressing the current challenges in attendance experienced by schools around the world. Very few studies have evaluated the approach. Available studies support the benefits of the MTSS approach however, only one published study has examined a program that addresses all three tiers. Further investigation of the MTSS framework to improve attendance and reduce absenteeism appears to be warranted.

Author

• Glenn Melvin, Deakin University