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Detailing New Dangers: Linking Kindergarten Chronic Absenteeism to Long-Term Declines in Executive Functioning
Michael A Gottfried1, Arya Ansari2
1University of Pennsylvania.
The Elementary School Journal
|April 17, 2023
Summary
Kindergarten absenteeism impacts executive function (EF) skills, including working memory and cognitive flexibility. Missed school days in kindergarten show lasting negative effects on EF development through third grade.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Absenteeism is highest in kindergarten, yet its impact on executive function (EF) is unknown.
- Early development of EF skills is crucial for academic success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between kindergarten absenteeism and short- and long-term EF skill development.
- To determine if missed school days in kindergarten affect working memory and cognitive flexibility.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationally representative data from 14,370 students.
- Employed fixed-effects modeling to analyze the relationship between absenteeism and EF outcomes.
Main Results:
- Kindergarten absenteeism was linked to lower working memory and cognitive flexibility.
- Observed long-term declines in EF skills persisting through third grade.
Conclusions:
- Absenteeism in kindergarten negatively affects the development of crucial executive function skills.
- Missed instructional time in early schooling has enduring implications for cognitive development.
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