Associations Between School-Based Recess Interventions and Student Chronic Absenteeism in Low-Income California...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Education Policy
• Child Development

Background:

• Recess-based interventions are known to boost physical activity, socioemotional skills, and school climate.
• Their impact on student attendance, however, remains understudied.
• This study investigated the association between Playworks interventions and chronic absenteeism in low-income California elementary schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between exposure to recess-based interventions (Playworks) and chronic absenteeism.
• To assess the impact of Playworks on attendance disparities among different student racial and ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• An observational study analyzed data from 4361 Title I schools over two academic years (2022-2023 and 2023-2024).
• The study compared 384 Playworks-exposed schools (categorized by high-dose and low-dose exposure) with non-exposed schools.
• Adjusted regression models were used to estimate differences in chronic absenteeism rates.

Main Results:

• Playworks-exposed schools showed a statistically significant 0.6% lower proportion of chronic absenteeism compared to non-exposed schools.
• A notable reduction in chronic absenteeism was observed among Hispanic students in Playworks-exposed schools (-1.95%).
• High-dose Playworks exposure was associated with significantly lower chronic absenteeism (24.6% vs. 26.4% in non-exposed schools).

Conclusions:

• Exposure to Playworks, particularly high-dose exposure, is associated with reduced chronic absenteeism in low-income elementary schools.
• The findings suggest that recess-based programs can support school attendance and help address disparities, especially for Hispanic students.
• School districts may consider integrating recess programs into comprehensive attendance strategies.