In 2023, the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) investigated student attendance in Australian schools at the request of Education Ministers.
Two literature reviews were commissioned as part of this project. This rapid literature review is the result of a systematic review of 332 peer-reviewed journal articles that describe studies exploring approaches, programs and interventions to support school attendance and address student absence. The interventions are presented in 3 tiers, in line with the multi-tiered system of supports framework:
- Tier 1 interventions include those that can be applied universally to all students within a system or sector.
- Tier 2 interventions are directed at selected students or schools who are deemed to be at-risk of developing attendance problems.
- Tier 3 interventions offer intensive support for students with persistent attendance problems.
The other literature review explored barriers to school attendance and the reasons for student absence.
The findings of the project were published in a report submitted to Education Ministers.
Keywords: school refusal, student absenteeism