Researchers from Scotland have added to the body of existing research on the negative effects of student absenteeism by exploring whether the reasons for absences have differing impacts on achievement. The study used linear regression to analyze longitudinal data from a representative sample of 4,419 students.
Schools in Scotland are required to note the reason for student absences.
Researchers compared this data with results from two high-stakes tests that students take in secondary school.
Their study found:
• Overall absences, as well as absences due to vacations, were associated with a 0.03 standard deviation decrease in achievement (SE= 0.00, p< .01).
• Truancy- or sickness-related absences were associated with a 0.04 standard deviation decrease in achievement (SE= 0.00, p< .001).
• Family emergency-related absences were associated with a 0.02 standard deviation decrease in achievement (SE= 0.00, p< .01).
