Jess Whitley – The Conversation

Chronic absenteeism refers to 10 per cent of missed instructional days in the year. A classroom in Ottawa, in December 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

April 28, 2026

Will attendance‑based grading improve school absenteeism?

Jess Whitley, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; David Smith, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Maria Rogers, Carleton University, and Natasha McBrearty, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Systemic barriers, mental-health issues and insufficient school supports for students with disabilities are among the factors that affect absenteeism rates.

There are many reasons why students miss school or struggle with engagement. (Shutterstock)

October 31, 2022

School attendance problems are complex, and our solutions need to be as well

Jess Whitley, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa and Beth Saggers, Queensland University of Technology

Punishing attendance problems fails to address the issues facing students, from family responsibilities to barriers related to racism or inadequate support for disabilities.

Parents are missing in-person supports for children. Here, MaShel West holds her son Lucas’ hands while talking with his certified behaviour analyst at their home in Layton, Utah, March 5, 2020. (Ivy Ceballo/The Deseret News via AP)

June 1, 2020

Pandemic distance learning poses challenges for some families of children with disabilities

Jess Whitley, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Connecting with school staff, community groups, family and friends may look different right now for families of children with disabilities, but some benefits remain.

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