Qualitative Case Study Methodology: Reducing School Truancy

Introduction and Research Questions

The purpose of this study is to understand school leaders' perspectives about how policies and procedures reduce truancy and improve student attendance. By interviewing key school leaders from Charter Secondary School (CSS), a public charter school with low truancy levels, information on effective policies and procedures can be gathered (Brinkmann & Kvale, 2015). The research method used for this study is a qualitative case study. Merriam and Tisdell (2016) stated that a case study is an intensive, holistic description and analysis of a single, bounded unit. In a case study, the researcher focuses on the exploration of an activity, event, process, or individuals (Creswell, 2014). The following research questions guide the study:

1. Why does CSS have a low truancy rate?
2. What theoretical framework serves as the foundation for policies at CSS?

The researcher will use interviews to collect qualitative data. "The interview has today become one of the most widespread knowledge-producing practices across the human and social sciences in general and in critical psychology more specifically" (Brinkmann, 2014, p. 1008). Interviews can range from formal to informal and can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or over the internet (Brinkmann, 2014). Formal interviews have a structured format in which the researcher asks a question and the participant answers. In informal interviews, however, discussion is encouraged and conversation need not strictly follow the prepared questions (Brinkmann, 2014).

Qualitative interviews often have some structure, and many are labeled "semi-structured" (Brinkmann & Kvale, 2015). "Most qualitative interviews, however, are semi-structured. In a semi-structured interview, the researcher provides some structure based on her research interests and interview guide but works flexibly with the guide and allows room for the respondent's more spontaneous descriptions and narratives" (Brinkmann, 2014, p. 1008).

There is a need to understand, from the staff and school leaders' perspectives at Charter Secondary School, what kind of school environment is in place to reduce truancy and how current policies promote strong attendance. Their responses to interview questions can provide a clear picture of what is being done to achieve positive outcomes for the student population. Similar studies using interviews have gathered significant amounts of insightful information that allow for the ability to answer important questions (De Witte & Csillag, 2012).

Face-to-face interviews will be conducted with eight school leaders from Charter Secondary School, located in one large school district in the Southeast United States. Interviews will be conducted to gain an understanding of their perceptions and beliefs about why Charter Secondary School has a low truancy rate. While the sample size is small, in qualitative studies the experience of participants and the meaning derived from their responses can be a valuable tool for analyzing complex situations in education (Marshall, Cardon, Poddar, & Fontenot, 2013).

Researchers have in the past attempted to set a number deemed acceptable for sample sizes even in qualitative studies. "The quota of contexts, circumstances, and social relations will start with a number for practical reasons. It is asserted that a particular size of sample is adequate to investigate a research question" (Emmel, Seaman, & Kenney, 2013, p. 185). Many qualitative methodologists aim for large sample numbers because of a seemingly irresistible allure of quantity. However, there exist no tests of adequacy, power calculations, or guidelines to establish the proper sample size for qualitative research (Emmel, Seaman, & Kenney, 2013). Therefore, it is important to choose a sample size that can answer what is needed within this study and provide meaningful dialogue for analysis. Eight participants is a practical number for this small-scale study.

Research Design and Approach

For this case study, qualitative data will be collected to gain insight, meaning, and understanding of leaders' perceptions and beliefs about Charter Secondary School's low truancy rate. The aim is to understand why Charter Secondary School has a lower truancy rate compared to similar public charter schools. Because the study focuses on specific scenarios, the case study is defined as particularistic (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016). Data will be collected through open-ended interview questions administered to each participating school leader. Each participant will have the opportunity to conduct a member check of his or her own transcript. Once member checks are completed, each transcript will be entered into Atlas.ti for coding, organization, and interpretation.

Six interview questions will be used. They serve the dual purpose of guiding the literature review portion of this study and acting as markers for discussion with study participants. The questions are:

1. How do the policies in effect at Charter Secondary School discourage truancy?
2. What policies and procedures are in effect at other public charter schools where attendance is high?
3. To what degree do staff perceive that they adhere to the written policies and procedures?
4. How do school leaders describe attendance, anti-truancy efforts, and related policies and procedures?
5. What policies and procedures are in effect at other public charter schools where attendance is high?
6. To what degree do staff perceive that they adhere to the written policies and procedures?

Participation in the interviews will not be mandatory but will require informed consent. By providing participants with information leaflets and having them sign a consent form — or accept consent verbally by phone or in writing via email — participants will be made aware of their right to privacy and anonymity and will gain a better understanding of the questions developed for the study (Edwards & Holland, 2013). Without informed consent, interviews may not be deemed acceptable regarding response validity (Edwards & Holland, 2013).

Setting and Sample

The setting is Charter Secondary School, a public charter school built on five acres of property (Great Schools!, 2017). It is located in a suburban area of Florida and is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the fourth largest school district in the nation. Current enrollment stands at approximately 599 students in grades 6–12 (Charter Secondary School, 2007). The school has 31 full-time teachers, reflecting a student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 19:1 (USNEWS, 2017).

Research participants will be eight school leaders drawn from different roles within the school. These include two administrators, four teachers, one parent, and one board of directors member. The parent qualifies as a leader because of the advocacy work done within the school. The teachers provide leadership to their students and are recognized as exemplary in their profession. The administrators and board member have experience handling issues related to school policy. To qualify for the study, all participants must have been part of the school community for at least one year prior to being selected. Through face-to-face interviews, participants will share their perceptions and beliefs regarding the school's low truancy rate. Participants range from veteran to novice teachers, along with a board member and a parent, in order to gain a wide perspective. Although novice teachers are included, these individuals demonstrate excellent work ethic and contribute meaningfully to understanding why the school performs well regarding truancy.

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