Parents’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Student’s Attendance

Abstract

Truancy is a serious, nation-wide problem for students, schools, and society. Previous research suggested that the root causes of truancy must be understood before effective interventions can be implemented (Henry & Huizinga 2007; Reid, 2005). The literature suggests that the causes of school truancy often fall into four categories; individual, school, family, and community factors. A critical element in model truancy intervention programs across the country is parent involvement (McCray, 2006). There has been little research done; however, regarding parents’ perceptions of factors that influence their child’s truancy. Quantitative data is presented that reveals parents’ perceptions of the factors that influenced their child’s absenteeism at a suburban high school in the United States. Results are discussed, and implications for counselors are presented.