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.

This series of studies 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)
Elisa Norris (Chief, Student Support 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)
Ryan La Barrie (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
Maria Maria Castillo (Doctoral Student)
Akayla McEwan (Undergraduate Research Assistant)
Hannah Morris (Doctoral Student)
Raymond Ni (Master’s student)
Eli Rolfes (Doctoral 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
June 17, 2025
Second Annual Research Symposium Gathers VU, MNPS Leaders in Partnership

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