Reverse Engineering Success in Reducing Absenteeism: Considerations and Challenges for Identifying and Learning from Outliers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Mixed Methods Approaches to Identifying Policy Solutions to Absenteeism

Abstract

This study examines conceptual and empirical considerations and challenges for identifying and learning from outliers. First, we conduct a literature review of studies on beating the odds to assess the methodology and insights garnered from these studies. Next, we use Georgia as an empirical case to illustrate salient considerations for identifying and describing bright spot districts and schools in a key post-pandemic non-achievement outcome – chronic absenteeism. Preliminary findings indicate that bright spot schools are more likely to have lower Black student enrollment, fewer students on free or reduced price lunch, fewer Title I eligible students, a higher student-teacher ratio, a higher CCRPI score, less disciplinary infractions, and better school climate across all dimensions compared to high absenteeism and median comparison schools.

Authors

• Richard O. Welsh, Vanderbilt University

• Kathryn Enriquez, Vanderbilt University

• Jerome Graham, Michigan State University

• Su Yon Choi, Michigan State University