A project to improve the attendance of first grade pupils who are the eldest children in families with low income

The primary purpose of this project was to improve the school attendance of first grade pupils who were the eldest children in low income families by using an intensive pupil personnel services approach. The intensive pupil personnel services included the development of a specific educational contract with the student's parents or guardian.

Twenty-four students comprised the subject population of the study. One half of the subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group. The other half received the usual pupil personnel services and served as a control group. In addition both groups were measured to see if changes occurred on the dependent variables of attendance, achievement and attitude toward school.

The resulting data analysis showed no significant difference in the post tests of the two groups in the area of attendance and attitude but with some significant difference in achievement. The results indicate that the intensified pupil services make no difference in frequency of attendance or attitude toward school but make some difference in achievement. It was suggested that a longer term study be made with a larger population.