Absenteeism and dropping out: A form of school exclusion

Abstract

This is a synthesis of research that deals with the processes of school exclusion. It focuses specifically on understanding absenteeism and dropping out of school. It approaches this topic by exactly defining the terms absenteeism and school drop out, and describing their characteristics and causes. It establishes some key questions for understanding the role of the schools in this matter: organization, functioning, climate, structures, dynamics, politics and procedures, curriculum, etc. Finally, it proposes a series of aspects that should be taken into account when a school tries to mitigate absenteeism and drop out.