Why are Rural Students Absent from School? Evidence from West Virginia

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division L - Section 6: Social Policy, Inequality, and Student Outcomes Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines the reasons behind student absenteeism in rural contexts using statewide administrative data from West Virginia (2017–2024). While absenteeism has surged nationwide, little is known about its underlying causes—especially in rural areas. We analyze over 20 coded absence reasons to compare patterns before and after COVID-19 and across rural and urban locales. Findings suggest that rural students face distinct barriers, including long travel distances, limited healthcare access, environmental obstacles, and isolated poverty. We also find that current absence categorization systems are either too granular or too broad, underscoring the need for a refined framework. These insights can help policymakers design targeted interventions that account for local context, improving both attendance outcomes and policy relevance.

Authors

• Michael A. Gottfried, University of Pennsylvania

• Erin Gill, University of Pennsylvania

• Stephen Colby Woods, University of Pennsylvania