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The chronic absenteeism assessment project: Using biometrics to evaluate the magnitude of and reasons for student chronic absenteeism in rural India

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  • Ben Amor, Yanis
  • Dowden, Justine
  • Borh, Klubosumo Johnson
  • Castro, Emma
  • Goel, Natasha

Abstract

In India, student absenteeism is particularly acute but little is known about its reasons. This study investigated the magnitude and causes of chronic absenteeism in ten schools in rural Telangana state using a biometric attendance system paired with home visits. 75.4 % of students missed 10 % or more of all school days and 56.2 % missed 15 % or more. Common reasons for absence as reported by students were illness, menstruation, going to family functions, and a death/illness in the family. Being female and of higher social standing were protective factors against chronic absenteeism. The biometric system paired with home visits show potential to decrease absenteeism.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Amor, Yanis & Dowden, Justine & Borh, Klubosumo Johnson & Castro, Emma & Goel, Natasha, 2020. "The chronic absenteeism assessment project: Using biometrics to evaluate the magnitude of and reasons for student chronic absenteeism in rural India," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:72:y:2020:i:c:s0738059318309246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2019.102140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nazmul Chaudhury & Jeffrey Hammer & Michael Kremer & Karthik Muralidharan & F. Halsey Rogers, 2006. "Missing in Action: Teacher and Health Worker Absence in Developing Countries," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 20(1), pages 91-116, Winter.
    2. Banerjee, Ritwik & King, Elizabeth M. & Orazem, Peter F. & Paterno, Elizabeth M., 2012. "Student and teacher attendance: The role of shared goods in reducing absenteeism," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 563-574.
    3. Muralidharan, Karthik & Das, Jishnu & Holla, Alaka & Mohpal, Aakash, 2017. "The fiscal cost of weak governance: Evidence from teacher absence in India," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 116-135.
    4. Michael Kremer & Nazmul Chaudhury & F. Halsey Rogers & Karthik Muralidharan & Jeffrey Hammer, 2005. "Teacher Absence in India: A Snapshot," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 3(2-3), pages 658-667, 04/05.
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    Cited by:

    1. Banerji, Manjistha & Mathur, Kopal, 2021. "Understanding school attendance: The missing link in “Schooling for All”," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    2. Evans, David K. & Mendez Acosta, Amina, 2023. "How to measure student absenteeism in low- and middle-income countries," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    3. Charu Jain & Ruchi Jain, 2023. "Chronic Absenteeism and Its Impact on the Learning Outcomes of Primary Grade Students in India," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 17(1-2), pages 124-162, February.

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