School Absenteeism and Academic Achievement: Does the Reason for Absence Matter?

Studies consistently show associations between school absences and academic achievement. However, questions remain about whether this link depends on the reason for children’s absence. Using a sample of Scottish Longitudinal Study (n = 4,419), we investigated association absenteeism achievement in high-stakes exams at end compulsory postcompulsory schooling varies with In line previous research, our findings that overall are negatively associated both stages. Likewise, all forms (truancy, sickness absence, exceptional domestic circumstances, family holidays) schooling. First difference regressions confirm these negative associations, except holidays. These suggest that, addition to lost instruction, other mechanisms such as behavioral, health-related, psychosocial pathways may account The have implications designing tailored interventions improve pupils’