Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), chronic absenteeism, and ACT performance among Alabama’s 4A public high schools, with a particular focus on how these factors evolved before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a longitudinal design, the research examined data from four academic years: 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2022, 2023, and 2024 (post-COVID). Data were obtained from the Alabama State Department of Education’s public report card portal and included ACT composite scores, school-level SES data, and chronic absenteeism rates. Schools were anonymized to ensure confidentiality and grouped into SES categories (Low, Mid, High) for comparative analysis. A combination of statistical techniques was employed, including one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), multiple linear regression, and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post-hoc tests. ANOVA and regression analysis were used to determine the predictive influence of SES and chronic absenteeism on ACT scores across the four years, while Tukey’s test identified significant differences in ACT performance between SES groups. Findings revealed that SES was a statistically significant and consistent predictor of ACT outcomes every year analyzed, with its effect intensifying in the years following the pandemic. Chronic absenteeism had a significant impact only in 2022, highlighting the instability during the return to in-person learning. By 2023 and 2024, the influence of absenteeism diminished, while SES became even more predictive of ACT achievement. These results underscore the persistent and deepening impact of poverty on academic outcomes, especially in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

ACT, Socioeconomic Status, and Chronic Attendance

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

College/School

College of Education & Human Services

Dissertation Committee Chair

Dr. Stephanie Sullivan

Committee Member

Dr. Holly Sutherland

Committee Member

Dr. Abbigail Morris

Document Type

Dissertation

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