Chronic Absenteeism: A Qualitative Analysis of Causes and Mitigating Factors in West Texas

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: The Cost of Movement: Chronic Absenteeism, Mobility, and Educational Futures

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism, missing more than 10 percent of total instructional time, has received extensive quantitative attention in education research. While quantitative analysis has helped develop an understanding of the impact of chronic absence and its related interventions, qualitative analysis is necessary to explore both context and nuance. This qualitative study is situated in a unique West Texas environment, where geographic and economic conditions contribute to chronic absence in ways not captured by quantitative analysis. Through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with teachers, administrators, district personnel, and community partners, the complexities of responding to chronic absenteeism are revealed at the ground level. Preliminary results indicate that parent/family factors, schooling models, and district resources can exacerbate or mitigate chronic absence.

Authors

• Raven Morris, Texas Tech University

• Jessica Gottlieb, Texas Tech University