PUPIL ABSENTEEISM - A NORTHERN EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

Pupil absenteeism in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom is examine d in each country in terms of the legal basis for school attendance, t he extent of pupil absenteeism, the way in which the problem is dealt with and research on the topic. The investigation involved the use of a postal questionnaire; structured interviews; meetings with official committees; visits to embassies, government offices, schools, a univer sity and a school psychological service; the collection of published a nd unpublished reports, articles and other written material; and an ex amination of the published research literature. The findings challenge British perspectives on the subject and have implications for the rol e of the school psychologist.