Epstein, Joyce L. and Steven B. Sheldon. Journal of Educational Research, vol 95, pp. 308-318, May/June 2002. This study suggests that schools may be able to increase student attendance in elementary school by implementing specific family and community involvement activities. The study discusses the results of an analysis of longitudinal data collected on schools’ rates of daily student attendance and chronic absenteeism and on specific partnership practices that were implemented to help increase or sustain student attendance.