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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

Presented in chapter 2 is a synthesis of research that supports the evaluation of the attendance policy and

attendance program of Newport News Public Schools. Included in the chapter is a historical overview of attendance, the

importance of attendance, overview of Newport News Public Schools, student theoretical absenteeism, framework, causes of or predictors of

descriptions

related

attendance

policies/ programs, and a review of perceptions and attitudes about attendance policies/programs as indicated by literature review.

Historical Overview

Early homesteading laws allowed the settlers free land on which to build schools. Schooling was perceived as the key

to success for individuals and to the excellence of society (Mitchell, 1993). Free and compulsory education came to

England and Wales following the Elementary Education Acts of

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1870 and 1876, although not always on a full time basis. Education Act of 1918 finally abolished half time

The

schooling, and made elementary education entirely free and compulsory fourteenth until the end of the term in after most the parts child's of the

birthday.

Nevertheless,

United States the problem of illegal absence dates from 1876 (Galloway, 1985). In the 1850s urban schools suffered from an extremely high turnover of students. Many students were

needed at home to do many of the chores, especially if they lived on a farm. Other students worked outside of the home to Poor attendance was a problem to

help support the family.

teachers and parents well before school attendance became compulsory (Pallister, 1969). Pallister notes that enthusiasm

for education varied with the standards of the school; good schools quickly obtaining the support of parents, and

similarly bad schools, least in the eyes of parents, quickly losing support. School