Seth Gershenson|Alison Jacknowitz|Andrew Brannegan
Are Student Absences Worth the Worry in U.S. Primary Schools?
American University|American University|Aspire Public Schools
student absences potentially important yet understudied input educational process using longitudinal data nationally representative survey rich administrative records north carolina investigate relationship student absences academic performance generally student absences associated modest statistically significant decreases academic achievement harmful effects absences approximately linear two three times larger among fourth fifth graders north carolina among kindergarten firstgrade students nationally representative early childhood longitudinal study datasets absences similarly reduce achievement urban rural suburban schools north carolina harm associated student absences greater among lowincome students english language learners particularly reading achievement also north carolina unexcused absences twice harmful excused absences policy implications directions future research discussed