Peabody Master’s Student Job Board

Job Description: Student Research Assistants, Chronic Absenteeism Study

Project Title: Examining Student Wellbeing and Reverse Engineering Success in Chronic Absenteeism in Districts and Schools in Georgia

Project Description: This research project aims to explore the increasing rates of chronic absenteeism in the post-pandemic era, with a particular focus on the role of student wellbeing and the interventions/strategies used to address chronic absenteeism across various educational settings in Georgia.

Duration: May 2025 – June 30, 2026

Purpose: The student research assistant will support the project by conducting extensive literature reviews and synthesizing findings to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current research landscape on chronic absenteeism and student wellbeing. The assistant will also be involved in qualitative data collection, including conducting interviews and focus groups with students, parents, and educational stakeholders. Further, the assistant will assist in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, patterns, and outlier success stories from districts and schools that have effectively reduced chronic absenteeism post-pandemic. This position is a unique opportunity to engage deeply with critical issues affecting educational outcomes and student well-being post-pandemic, and to contribute to a project that aims to influence policy and practice at multiple levels of the educational system. The project is being conducted in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) in Georgia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research findings to support the study's objectives.

Collect qualitative data through interviews, focus groups, and possibly surveys among students, parents, and school personnel.

Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate software tools to identify key themes and insights.

Participate in the preparation of reports, research-practice briefs, and presentations for dissemination across various platforms including academic conferences and educational seminars.

Collaborate with a team of researchers and stakeholders to ensure the project’s objectives are met effectively and on schedule.

Qualifications:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently as well as part of a diverse team.

Willingness to learn about qualitative research methods.

Willingness to learn about quantitative research methods.

Most work can be performed remotely with the exception of in-person data collection in Georgia. The student research assistant has the ability to self-manage when work is completed (e.g., during business hours, on the weekend, etc.) to meet all deadlines. Deadlines will not require work over school holidays. Strong preference for applicants who can work throughout the duration of the project, including over the summers. This position will work most closely with Dr. Richard O. Welsh, Associate Professor of Education and Public Policy and Daphne Penn, Assistant Professor of Education Policy and Inequality. We are seeking to hire up to two students for this position.

The deadline to apply is May 15, 2025.

To apply, interested students should email the two researchers leading the project with their CV and a cover letter. Richard O. Welsh - richard.welsh.1@vanderbilt.edu and Daphne Penn - daphne.m.penn@Vanderbilt.Edu

The position pays: $22/hour for Master’s students Expected weekly commitment is 8–10 hours.