TDNet Discover

This purpose of this mixed-methods action research study is to discover the systemically related and contextually based factors that contribute to chronic absenteeism at Adrian Public Schools (APS), and to develop a planned, ecologically-based attendance implementation plan to assist in addressing these barriers. Chronic absenteeism will be considered in general terms as missing 10% or more of total instructional days during a given academic year, resulting from a combination of individual, family, school, and community-level factors, instead of solely as a result of individual student behavior. This study will utilize both Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Kids and Teens at School (KiTeS) framework for understanding how attendance is influenced by interactions among the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem, and how functionally-based relational responses are essential. APS is a mediumsized public school district that serves a diverse student population. The quantitative data for this study will consist of attendance records, chronic absence flags, academic performance data, behavior referral data, and district survey results. Qualitative data will be collected via surveys, focus groups, and interviews with students, their families, teachers, counselors, and administrators. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis methods will be utilized to analyze the quantitative data and thematic coding will be used to analyze the qualitative data. After analyzing the data, the researcher will integrate the findings to establish patterns, barriers, and leverage points to develop interventions to promote equitable attendance improvements for all. Results from this study will be used to develop a multi-tiered, district-wide implementation plan to support MTSS, SEL, and equity-focused practices to reduce chronic absenteeism.