Truancy

Truancy

A serious problem in public schools that is often talked about by educators and among lists on Twitter is truancy.  When students are absent from school for several days, weeks, or months a year it is almost a sure bet that this student will not make the appropriate amount to growth.  Teachers cannot educate students when they do not come to class. 

With more and more students absent from school it puts an unbearable strain on teachers and constant worry that these truant students will not reach the academic goal for the year.  Not reaching this goal can effect funding, school status, and in some cases teacher compensation. 

If we put the idea of academic testing aside, what can teachers do about truant students?  Truancy is a more urgent problem in middle school and high schools.  Many elementary students still have the desire and drive to attend school, much of this is due to social relationships with friends and teachers.  This is often not the case in middle schools or high schools.  Many students are absent because of fear of bullying, frustration with friends or teachers, stress of academics, home life concerns, or even jail time it is often more enjoyable to stay home than it is to come to school.  

By law these students’ names are given to a social worker and that appointee makes home visits. In extreme cases students appear in court and are ordered by a judge to return to school.  The judge follows up on each case with future court appearances to check on progress.  The case is dismissed when criteria are met, or when students age out of the system. 

Guidance counselors often assist students who strive to earn credits to pass courses.  Social workers and guidance counselors have their case load increasing each year and funding decreasing, this task is becoming more difficult.  Often the root cause of a student’s absence is never discovered and students are being pushed through the system.  This reality in education is not best for students.