Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Committee Chair

Melissa Balknight

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism in K-12 public schools represents a significant national crisis, with millions of students missing 15 or more days each year. This transcendental phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of parents whose children face chronic absenteeism, aiming to uncover the barriers and challenges that hinder consistent school attendance. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews with parents from a small school district in upstate South Carolina, this research identified key themes related to absenteeism, including health concerns—both physical and mental—challenging morning routines, and life challenges linked to home and school environments. Findings revealed that health issues often impede the ability of students to attend school regularly, compounded by difficult mornings characterized by a lack of sleep and motivation. Additionally, logistical obstacles such as transportation issues and the demands of parents' work schedules exacerbate absenteeism, while negative perceptions of school quality diminish parental involvement. The study highlights the critical need for improved communication between schools and families, as well as the implementation of targeted interventions to support families and enhance student attendance. By incorporating parental perspectives, this research offers valuable insights for educational stakeholders seeking to develop effective strategies that address chronic absenteeism and promote student success.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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