The Influence of Student Absences on Grade Point Average in High School

Abstract

The problem. This study was undertaken (1) to examine the extent that high school attendance level affects grade point averages, (2) to examine the interaction between the effects of intelligence and attendance levels on grade point averages. Procedure. A two way ANOVA was performed using grade point average as the dependent variable and attendance levels and intelligence as the independent variables. The grade point average was figured on a ratio scale and the independent variable of intelligence and attendance were categorized so ANOVA could be used. Findings. This study clearly shows that the number of days absent from school has a detrimental effect on grade point average. Across all intelligence categories, grade point averages steadily decrease as absences increase. There is no interaction between the effects of attendance levels and intelligence scores on grade point averages. Conclusions. This study shows that students can effectively improve their grade point averages by making a consciencious effort to attend school regularly. Recommendations. There is a need to improve students' attendance levels and for students to recognize the relationship between attendance levels, grade point averages and achievement of educational excellence in their high school years, Students, parents and educational staff need to be made more aware of how absences contribute to the problem of lower educational achievement.