Attendance

  • The goal of this topic is to discuss the importance of regular school attendance, explore the issues that impact regular school attendance, and provide suggestions for what to do if school attendance is a problem for your child. 

    Importance of Regular School Attendance

    • Your child is more likely to keep up with the daily lessons and assignments, and take quizzes and test on time.

    • Students who attend school regularly are more likely to pass reading and math assessment than students who don’t attend school regularly.

    • For older students, being in school every day gives them a chance to learn more about college and scholarship opportunities, and to take the important exams they need to build a successful academic record.

    • Regular school attendance can also help students who are learning English by giving them increased exposure to the English language, and increased opportunities to master the skill they need.

    • Just by being present at school, your child is learning how to be a good citizen by participating in the school community, learning valuable social skills, and developing a broader world view.

    • Your commitment to school attendance will send a message to your child that education it is a priority for your family, going to school every day is a critical part of educational success.

Truancy

  • Truancy is an educational, social, and law enforcement problem. It is the extreme of poor school attendance, and can result in legal and/or court involvement. Truancy is an indication that a child is struggling with one or more factors in his/her life which prevents regular school attendance.

  • Contributing Factors for Poor School Attendance and Truancy:

    • Child rebelliousness
    • Poor sleeping habits
    • Learning disabilities
    • Physical illness
    • Lack of parental responsibility
    • Lack of parental discipline
    • Unusual working hours (parents)
    • Absence from home or homelessness
    • Poor parental education
    • Mental illness (child, parent, or other family members)
    • Poverty
    • Transportation issues
    • Poor nutrition
    • Neighborhood bullies
    • Poor teacher-student relationship
    • Poor self-esteem
    • Poor academic progress particularly in reading and math
    • Fear of school, teachers, and administrators
    • Financial difficulties leading to inability to pay school fees and buy appropriate clothing and food
    • Child abuse or neglect (physical, psychological and sexual)
    • Substance abuse by students and parents
    • Gang activity in the school or in the neighborhood

  • Signs of Possible Truant Behavior:

    • Behind in schoolwork
    • Leaving home and /or returning at irregular hours
    • Inappropriate school attire
    • Early morning personal phone calls
    • Vague health complaints
    • Changes in behavior and routine
    • Never receiving mail from school
    • Failing grades
    • Refusing to go to school
    • Evidence of alcohol and/or drug use
    • Complaints of conflict with teachers and peers
    • Unaware of school calendar, class schedule and assignments