School Absenteeism in Germany: A Shift from Punishment to Support?

Abstract

In Germany, penalties such as fines or police action are imposed for noncompliance with compulsory schooling. However, formal administrative procedures are often deemed inadequate by experts who advocate for school-wide multidimensional support in addressing school absenteeism. We analyze guidance documents of different federal states, examining their emphasis on formal and school-wide strategies. We specifically explore the report of Schleswig-Holstein to demonstrate the shifting focus from punitive measures to more supportive approaches in addressing absenteeism.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful for the language editing support of Andrew Kennedy and the valuable comments of anonymous reviewers.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Chiara Enderle

Chiara Enderle works as research associate and doctoral student at the Department of Special Education at Leipzig University. She conducts research on the international comparison of school attendance problems from the perspective of youth and teachers in Sweden and Germany, particularly what enables youth to overcome challenges regarding school attendance.

Heinrich Ricking

Heinrich Ricking is professor for Emotional and Social Development in Special Education and Inclusive Contexts at the Department of Special Education at Leipzig University. His main areas of research include school absenteeism and the development of prevention and intervention programs against truancy.

Gisela C. Schulze

Gisela C. Schulze has worked as special education researcher and teacher educator at the University of Oldenburg. Her main research areas include school absenteeism, health care, young carers and young adult carers.