Understanding Truancy Links Between Attendance, Truancy and Performance

This document presents findings of a 9-month study conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE) that explores: the statistical relationships among attendance, truancy, and student performance in examinations; the impact of truancy on students, teachers, and teaching; and factors of truancy in seven primary and seven secondary schools in two local authority areas. Data were gathered through interviews with 7 primary and 7 secondary headteachers, 14 primary teachers, and 28 secondary teachers; questionnaires administered to 299 primary students and 76 secondary students; followup interviews with 8 secondary students; telephone interviews with 18 parents; and analysis of attendance records and grade reports. In every school but one, pupil absences were more likely to be "explained" than "unexplained." During the first two terms of 1993-94 at least 89 percent of pupils in each school registered some explained absence. As the level of absence increased among fourth-year secondary students, the level of grade award decreased; however, there was considerable variation among schools. Explained absence and unexplained absence had comparable effects on attainment. Secondary-school truants reported that they skipped school because they were bored with school and would rather be earning money at work. A total of 17 tables, 2 figures, and the evaluation instruments are included. (LMI)