NCJ Number
149503
Date Published
1985
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This study presents annotations of articles dealing with various aspects of student absenteeism in order to develop a general profile of the student who was habitually absent or truant and the factors that influenced his absenteeism, to assess the effects absenteeism had upon student achievement, and to evaluate school-based absenteeism prevention programs.
Abstract
Several themes emerged from an analysis of the annotated articles. The first is that older and less popular students were most likely to be absent. Peer pressure, the classroom and school environment, lack of parental involvement, and the economic status of the community seemed to be the strongest predictors of absenteeism. While there is no conclusive evidence, many studies indicated that habitually absent students were characterized by lower achievement rates, IQ scores, and grades. A few articles concluded that absenteeism was positively correlated to increased crime within the community. The author recommends that schools assess the needs of students and educators within each school environment before instituting prevention programs; that a cross-section of school staff, students, and community members be involved in developing prevention programs; that students direct and develop programs to counteract peer influence; that policies be directed against student absenteeism; and that programs and policies be evaluated frequently. 55 references