Applying Interventions to Prevent or Reduce Excessive Absences in a High School Setting
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Authors
Williams, Linda L.
Issue Date
2001-12
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Attendance policy , Absenteeism , Credit
Alternative Title
Abstract
This action research was conducted in a four-year secondary school in
southwestern Georgia to determine if the use of technology and stricter enforcement of
the local Board of Education's attendance policy helped in preventing or reducing
excessive absenteeism. Interventions were employed over the first three months of the
2001-2002 school year among approximately 850 students in grades 9-12. Phone calls
were made to parents/guardians and/or individual contacts were made with students who
were absent from class for more than three days. At the end of the three months, absentee
rates were reduced by 20% from first semester absentee rates in the previous two school
years. The number of students in danger of having credit denied due to excessive
absences was also reduced by 37%. Teachers responding to a survey indicated that they
believe students are aware of the attendance policy and our efforts to reduce absenteeism,
and they also made suggestions for improving our appeals policy. Students' responses to
a survey corroborated that they and their parents are aware of the attendance policy and
its consequences. Based on statistical data and results of the survey, recommendations
were made to investigate purchasing software to generate automated phone calls and to
be more consistent in denial of credit when students' excessive absences warrant that
action.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Valdosta State University
License
Copyright protected. Unauthorized reproduction or use beyond the exceptions granted by the Fair Use clause of U.S. Copyright law may violate federal law.