Understanding and Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in a Post-COVID Landscape

The number of students struggling with chronic absenteeism, while on the rise prior to COVID-19, appears to have increased dramatically since the onset of the pandemic. This dissertation explores the challenges faced in a suburban middle school in Western New York throughout and following the COVID-19 shutdown. Data from the district's student information system reveal a disproportionate increase in student subgroups experiencing chronic absenteeism, while survey and focus group results indicate that growing mental health concerns are a large contributor to the phenomenon. A mixed methods study was conducted to determine trends in chronic absenteeism at the identified school and to elicit educators' perceptions of absenteeism's root causes and effective interventions. After reviewing the school's student data from the 2017-2018 through 2022-2023 school years, a survey was administered to educators in the building, and separate focus groups were held with administrators, mental health professionals, and teachers. The findings reveal that chronic absenteeism is a growing concern at this school and that addressing the cause is not a simple solution. A multi-faceted approach involving identifying and addressing individual root causes and then collaborating with families and outside providers to educate families and decrease accommodations is essential for the process. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]