Andler-McCloy, Rachel
(2017)
STUDENT TRUANCY IN AN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED MIDDLE SCHOOL: A CASE STUDY OF THE ROOT CAUSES AND INTERVENTIONS APPLIED.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Student truancy in the United States school system is an epidemic that affects students, schools, families, and communities. Truant students miss out on academic instruction and social interactions, leading to an increased risk of dropping out of school. This case study of truancy focused on middle school students from an economically disadvantaged school district in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and included qualitative and minimal quantitative methods of analysis. Three different methods were utilized, including document and artifact analysis, surveys, and interviews. School, state, and federal policies were analyzed to identify consistencies and discrepancies in truancy reduction policies. School personnel and students were surveyed concerning their perspectives on the sources and consequences of truancy. Additionally, school personnel, truant students, and the parents of those students participated in interviews. Four findings emerged with implications for educational policy and practice to reduce truancy. First, the marginal home environment that supports school attendance is a common “pull-factor” generating truancy. Second, disengagement of students from the school community is prominent, “pushing” some students into truancy. Third, school and community resources that might be mobilized to reduce truancy are spread thin and do not always reach students in need. Finally, disconnect between school, state, and federal policies and procedures creates gaps in the district’s truancy response. Overall, this study highlights the importance of combining supports in the school, home, and community for reducing truancy.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
22 August 2017 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
12 April 2017 |
| Approval Date: |
22 August 2017 |
| Submission Date: |
21 June 2017 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
98 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Administrative and Policy Studies |
| Degree: |
EdD - Doctor of Education |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
truancy, school attendance, absenteeism, truant students, interventions |
| Date Deposited: |
22 Aug 2017 23:01 |
| Last Modified: |
22 Aug 2017 23:01 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/32430 |
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