Boosting high school graduation rates is a growing concern to educators and policymakers. Researchers stress that, although graduation rates have varied little in recent years, "[w]hat makes current graduation rates alarming is a reality of the new U.S. economy: It is practically impossible for individuals lacking a high school diploma to…

Students who achieve critical academic benchmarks such as high attendance rates, continuous levels of credit accumulation, and high grades have a greater likelihood of success throughout high school and beyond. However, keeping students on track toward meeting graduation requirements and quickly identifying students who are at risk of falling off…

From an analysis of attendance records of pupils in a comprehensive secondary school and their attendance at primary school, the authors describe weekly and daily patterns of absence. They also conclude that the potential truant from secondary school can be identified from his primary school attendance record. (Author)