Student Absenteeism

About the Research

In Nashville, as across the nation, chronic absenteeism is a critical challenge that has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, district data reveal that despite the deep-rooted and complex factors contributing to absenteeism, some schools have dramatically increased student attendance over the past two years.

Our study examines the patterns and root causes of chronic absenteeism in MNPS, and seeks to leverage school success stories and other insights to promote high levels of attendance throughout the District.

MNPS Working Group Members

Taylor Biondi (Coordinator, RTI behavior) 
Carol Brown (Director, Attendance Services)
Catherine Knowles (Director, Special Population services)
Lynn Ratliff (Truancy Supervisor)

Vanderbilt Working Group Members

Amanda Addison (Doctoral Student, Research Assistant & Project Manager)
Abby Beneke (Postdoctoral Fellow)
David Diehl (Assistant Professor, Human & Organizational Development)
Kayla Fike (Assistant Professor, Human & Organizational Development)
Joanne Golan (Associate Professor, Public Policy & Education)
Eli Rolfes (Doctoral Student)
Changhee Lee (Postdoctoral Fellow)
Hannah Morris (Doctoral Student)
Ryan La Barrie (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
Akayla McEwan (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
Raymond Ni (Masters student)

Related News & Publications

October 21, 2025
Learning from the Field: How Research and District Action Are Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
September 9, 2025
NashvillePeer receives grant to study chronic absenteeism in MNPS schools

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