Making the Case for Results-Based Accountability as an Intervention for Chronic Absenteeism in Schools to Improve Attendance

• Author: Kimberly A. Davis,Sharlene Allen-Milton,Sylvia Coats-Boynton
• Published date: 01 January 2019
• Date: 01 January 2019
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/2153368718816500
• Subject Matter: Articles

Article

Making the Case for Results-

Based Accountability as an

Intervention for Chronic

Absenteeism in Schools

to Improve Attendance

Kimberly A. Davis

1

, Sharlene Allen-Milton

2

,

and Sylvia Coats-Boynton

3

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism has been indicated to put over 6 million students at the risk

of numerous negative short- and long-term outcomes, such as academic failure,

dropping out of school, long-term health issues, unemployment, and exposure

to the juvenile justice system. Research presents a clear case that the use of zero

tolerance policies, such as suspension and expulsion, contributes significantly to

the rates of chronic absenteeism among students of color. When students of color

are absent from school, regardless of the reason for the absences, it presents

significant barriers to equitable and effective instruction, undermines stable

learning environments, and inhibits students’ success. Chronic absence can be

reduced when schools work with families and communities to track attendance

data, create welcoming school environments, and implement strategies to address

barriers to attendance. Results-based accountability (RBA) is a measure of

accountability that has successfully been used to improve the performance of

school districts, programs, agencies, municipalities, and service systems. This

article presents a case for RBA to be considered as a standard measure of

accountability for schools, districts, and agencies in their efforts to improve school

attendance. This article also provides recommendations and implications for

practice, policy, education, and research.

1

Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, FL, USA

2

Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA

3

Florida Memorial University, Miami, FL, USA

Corresponding Author:

Kimberly A. Davis, Edward Waters College, 1658 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209, USA.

Email: k.davis@ewc.edu

Race and Justice

2019, Vol. 9(1) 46-59

ªThe Author(s) 2018

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DOI: 10.1177/2153368718816500

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