Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Department
Fischler Graduate School of Education and Human Services
Advisor
Dennis Triplett
Committee Member
Martha Ward
Committee Member
Barbara Packer
Keywords
academic achievement, attendance incentives, compensatory days, employee absenteeism, gift certificates, job satisfaction, Marion, Marion High School, pass rates, perfect attendance, rewards programs, school administration, South Carolina, student achievement, teacher absences, teacher attendance, teacher absenteeism, teacher incentives, teacher surveys, work environment
Abstract
This applied dissertation was designed to improve teacher attendance at Marion High School. The goal was to reduce teacher absences to 2.0 or less per day, regardless of the reasons. The plan utilized incentives that would be of benefit and reward to teachers. Over the years teacher attendance had been a problem that affected student achievement. There had been financial rewards in place from the district office level, but never a rewards system at the school level.
A plan was developed to reduce teacher absenteeism to 2.0 or less per day at Marion High School, Marion, South Carolina. Answers were sought to the following questions: What are the causes of teacher absenteeism? How does teacher absenteeism impact schools? How can teacher absenteeism be reduced? Teachers completed a pre-program survey that addressed various issues pertaining to teacher absenteeism. Teachers were also given the opportunity to provide solutions for the problem. After the implementation of the program in 2003, teachers completed a post-program survey that addressed their opinions of the program’s success or failure.
The Marion High School administrative team developed plans to reward teachers with perfect attendance, those with one day’s absence, as well as those staff members with individual attendance improvement. Incentive such as nine weeks gift certificates, compensatory days, banquets, and end-of-the year gift certificates were provided. Teachers were encouraged throughout the year to focus on their attendance with daily and weekly reminders.
An analysis of the data indicated that the teacher absenteeism incentive program was productive. The desired goal of 2.0 teachers or less absences per day was met. Students demonstrated an improved pass rate of academic subjects.