Mapping Chronic Absenteeism Risk Through a Social Context Lens across Communities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 3:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Prioritizing Community Knowledge: Resistance, Re-Imagining and Reparations

Abstract

This study explores chronic absenteeism in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade by examining how educational- and community-level conditions shape attendance patterns. Using public data from school districts and ZIP codes in San Mateo County, California, the research applies ecological and sociocultural theories to frame chronic absenteeism as a structural issue. Using principal component analysis and regression modeling, the study identifies key predictors and generates ZIP-level risk scores. These scores are visualized geospatially to reveal disparities within and across districts. The findings highlight the influence of socioeconomic, health, and demographic factors on attendance. This approach advances equity by enabling early identification and support for communities facing the greatest barriers to consistent school attendance.

Authors

• Yung-Hui Chien, San Mateo County Office of Education

• Lihua Yang, San Mateo County Office of Education

• Anya Macomber, San Mateo County Office of Education

• Jeremy Del Carpio, San Mateo County Office of Education

• Leena Bhai, San Mateo County Office of Education

• Jared Prolo, San Mateo County Office of Education