Abstract:

This study conducted the first statewide quantitative survey of New Jersey superintendents’ perspectives on chronic absenteeism. The survey offered a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of school leaders’ attitudes toward chronic absenteeism, addressing several key constructs: (1) the role of equity in decision-making related to chronic absenteeism, (2) expressions of accountability in confronting the issue, (3) strategies for prioritizing student needs and allocating resources to improve attendance, and (4) perceptions of chronic absenteeism as an indicator of school quality or student success. Unlike previous research, which has examined topics such as leadership, best practices, school climate, and reform, this study specifically quantified superintendent perceptions of both chronic absenteeism and the related metric of chronic absence at the statewide level. The paper also discusses the survey’s broader applications and implications for future research.