Where are the Gaps? A Systematic Literature Review on Strategies to Address Chronic Absenteeism

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 4:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Reimagining What Works: Critical Perspectives on School Effectiveness and Improvement Research

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism is a prevailing challenge in education with recent data estimating 28% of students missing at least 10% of school days. Longstanding disparities exist with students of color, students with disabilities, and English language learners experiencing higher rates. Given the demonstrated negative impact of chronic absenteeism on student achievement and socioemotional outcomes, addressing these disparities may reduce persistent achievement gaps and enhance educational equity. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the literature on strategies used to address chronic absenteeism across contexts. Leveraging Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, we summarize existing strategies to combat chronic absenteeism and evaluate the ways in which these strategies respond to the systemic and structural challenges that contribute to chronic absenteeism among marginalized student groups.

Authors

• Margaret K. Powers, Washington University in St. Louis

• Pallavi Chhabra, Washington University in St. Louis

• Melissa C. Molloy, Loyola University Chicago

• Abigail C. Medler, Saint Louis University