We are excited to share the findings of a comprehensive study aimed at understanding and tackling chronic absenteeism in Dayton Public Schools (DPS). This study, conducted by a team of experts and SRG Technology, reveals a predictive model that can identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism, offering invaluable information to guide interventions and improve educational outcomes.
These findings can inform more proactive and targeted interventions to deter Absenteeism. Whether you are a parent, educator, or community advocate, this research offers actionable insights that can help us create a more supportive and engaging environment for students.
Key Findings from the Study:
A Powerful Prediction Model: The study's primary goal was to create a model capable of predicting the probability of chronic absenteeism for DPS students. The model, designed to use data from the previous school year on the first day of the new year, demonstrated strong predictive capabilities, with an overall strength of (AUC = 0.80).
Factors Associated with Chronic Absenteeism: The research explored various factors linked to chronic absenteeism. Notably, students with certain medical conditions faced a higher risk: those with diabetes had a 66% higher likelihood, ADHD students had a 39% higher likelihood, and students with asthma had a 19% higher likelihood compared to their peers without medical conditions.
Impact of Lost Instructional Days: The study revealed a significant correlation between lost instructional days and academic performance. For 6th-grade students, each 10 lost instructional days resulted in a 4.5% drop in their math grade, indicating a direct link between attendance and academic success.
Extracurricular Engagement Matters: Engaging in at least one extracurricular activity had a profound effect on absenteeism. High school students involved in one extracurricular activity experienced 36% fewer lost instructional days than those with no activities, emphasizing the importance of promoting student engagement beyond the classroom.
Multi-Faceted Interventions: The study highlights that effective interventions to combat chronic absenteeism can target different aspects, including the student, the family, the school, and the community. Tailoring interventions to specific categories opens up numerous avenues for fostering a positive impact on attendance rates.
