The Relationship Between Absenteeism and Failure to Graduate
Studies have investigated factors that may be related to dropping out of high school or graduating from high school and found them to include family variables, sibling similarity, employment, and type of school attended (Betts & Morell, 1999; Oettinger, 2000; Sander & Krautmann, 1995; Sander, 1997; Stinebrickner & Stinebrickner, 2003)). While one study determined that absenteeism was not a factor in academic performance, it is unclear whether it was a factor in high school graduation (American Academy of Family Physicians [AAFP], 1989). The problem is that empirical research determining the relationship between school absenteeism and high school graduation is lacking. Therefore the purpose of this study is to empirically investigate these factors. Specifically the relationship between absenteeism and high school graduation will be determined.
The research question used to guide the study is as follows:
1. Is there a relationship between school absenteeism and high school graduation?
Since dropping out of high school remains a problem, it is important to understand the factors that lead to dropping out and failing to graduate from high school. While factors that may lead to absenteeism such as family problems, working during school, and health concerns are related to dropping out of high school, it is important to understand if there is a direct relationship between absenteeism and high school graduation. This will help determine if it absenteeism is the cause of not graduating or whether the causes are more related to the factors that may lead to absenteeism.
Absenteeism. For this study absenteeism is defined as being absent from high school classes. The number of days absent will be correlated with high school graduation.
Graduation. For this study graduation is defined as graduating from high school as determined by school requirements and ...