Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ed.S. in Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Angus Mungal

Second Advisor

Mark Deshaine

Third Advisor

David Rock

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

In this study, I will explore some of the root causes behind middle school students' failure to attend class. Data shows that students are labeled chronically absent when they miss more than 10% of a school year, regardless of the absences- expelled, unexcused, or suspended. According to the U.S. Department of Education, about seven million students were labeled chronically absent in the 2015-16 school year, equating to roughly one out of every six students across the United States being absent for 15 or more days. The problem exists nationwide; however, it is more prominent in urban areas with low socioeconomic statuses or where Blacks reside with low socioeconomic groups (Sosu et al., 2021). Large school districts face higher chronic absenteeism rates due to other challenges or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as low parental involvement, gun violence, and high teacher turnover rates. Along with these issues, the students impacted often come to schools where quality education is lacking and school culture suffers. Suppose the issues causing chronic absenteeism are not corrected. In that case, adverse short- and long-term outcomes, such as academic failure, dropping out of school, long-term health issues, unemployment, and exposure to the juvenile justice system (Davis, 2019), will continue to impede the students' ability to want to attend school regularly. Thus leaving an impression on the communities in which students live.

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