The problem of student and teacher absenteeism is examined in terms of costs and the effect on academic performance, and solutions are suggested. A description of the major research to determine causes and to describe the nonattenders is included. (JMF)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)

Discusses the need for a comprehensive substitute teacher program in schools along with the important components of such a program. Identifies the roles of the principal, regular teacher, substitute teacher, and the superintendent in an effective substitute teacher program. (HB)

A successful program to improve personnel attendance has reduced sick leave in 40 New Jersey school districts without increasing dismissals, grievances, or costs. The author describes the five steps in this Attendance Improvement Program (AIP), including (1) analysis of data on staff absences due to illness; (2) preparation of operating guidelines…

This study is intended as an aid to administrators who want to develop absenteeism policies that produce cost-efficient methods of staffing during teacher absences. Undertaken during the school year 1977-78, this project is the most comprehensive study of its kind in the state of Pennsylvania. Its first purpose--to explore the basic…

As school systems grow both vertically and horizontally, they face forces tending both to unify (centripetal) and to disunify (centrifugal). A viable system growth involves a blend of both forces on both vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is often assumed that the disunifying impact of centrifugal forces is of such proportion that the…

This report compiles results of studies conducted in American Samoa, Chuuk, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawai'i, Kosrae, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap. It was conducted in the 1996-97 school year by Pacific Resources for Education and Learning in close collaboration with…

Employee characteristics and attitudes of 466 secondary school teachers were examined to determine whether men and women had different reasons for being absent. Although women had different perceptions of some work-related factors and took substantially more days off, their absence occurrences were not significantly different. (JOW)

Uses an existing model of attendance behavior to examine attitudinal, demographic, and absenteeism data from 265 secondary school teachers. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that teacher absenteeism was significantly related to distance to work, gender, job involvement, and job satisfaction. (58 references) (MLH)

Teacher absenteeism appears highest in elementary schools, schools with lower student achievement, schools composed of economically disadvantaged and minority students, and urban school districts. Survey of Brooklyn high schools found high teacher absenteeism; in addition, attendance patterns were habitual, teachers holding temporary teaching…

Student absenteeism has been declining in the United States since records were first kept in the late nineteenth century. Even so, some districts, usually urban, have found absentee rates doubling or even tripling over the last ten years. The tendency of teacher absenteeism to rise in districts where student absenteeism has increased sharply…

The Dallas Independent School District's staff stress reduction and health awareness program is described. The program features medical screening, fitness assessment, goal setting, exercise and nutrition prescriptions, health education, exercise classes, motivation, and feedback. Benefits reported include significantly improved health and attitude…

Absenteeism is seen as perhaps the most pervasive problem in work environments today. Because of expanded and more liberal benefit plans, as well as changing societal values, employees work fewer hours than ever before in history. A decentralized attendance control program developed by the University of Michigan is discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes Bellevue (Washington) School District's employee wellness program's successful efforts to (1) save lives by promoting healthy lifestyles, (2) boost morale by taking health services to the workplace, (3) improve on-the-job performance by providing inexpensive, convenient opportunities for exercise and weight loss, and (4) reduce staff…

Discusses improving attendance of staff and administrators by providing various financial and recognition-oriented incentives including savings bonds, plaques, and a year-end trophy. Rewards for perfect and near-perfect attendance resulted in a 16 percent improvement in total staff attendance and improvement in 90 percent of individual schools.…