Addressing Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism in Schools | Scribe

Addressing Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

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SCDE Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Overview

https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/student-support/chronic-absenteeism/

Beginning in the 2017-18 school year, South Carolina implemented a new definition of chronic absenteeism in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act. This definition, as per the United States Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR)/EdFacts, identifies a student as chronically absent if they miss 50 percent or more of the instructional day for any reason, whether excused or unexcused. To be considered present, students must attend at least half of the instructional day.

Under this framework, districts and schools are required to report annually to the South Carolina Department of Education the number of students who meet the criteria for chronic absenteeism. Specifically, students enrolled for a full academic year who miss 18 or more days (10 percent of the enrollment period) are classified as chronically absent. This data is included on district and school report cards and reported to EdFacts for national tracking purposes.

All types of absences contribute to chronic absenteeism, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Truancy, distinct from chronic absenteeism, refers to unexcused absences over specific thresholds and can lead to legal intervention if intervention plans fail to improve attendance.

  • Truant: Applies to students aged 6-17 with 3 consecutive unexcused absences or a total of five or more unexcused absences within a school year. Only full-day unexcused absences count towards truancy; excused absences and suspensions do not.

    • Truancy refers to the unauthorized absence of a student from school. It is a behavior that can result in negative consequences for the student, including falling behind academically and missing out on important learning opportunities. Truancy is a concern that requires attention from educators, administrators, and parents to ensure that students attend school regularly.

  • Habitual Truant: Refers to students aged 12-17 who do not comply with school intervention plans and accumulate two or more additional unlawful absences. This may lead to court intervention and a truancy petition.

  • Chronic Truant: Describes students aged 12-17 who, despite school interventions and court orders, continue to accumulate unlawful absences. Further community and legal actions may be pursued to address persistent attendance issues.

    • Chronic absenteeism goes beyond occasional truancy and is characterized by a student's habitual and prolonged absence from school. It is defined as missing 10% or more of the total school days of the student's enrollment in an academic year. Chronic absenteeism can have long-term consequences, leading to poor academic performance, disengagement from school, and increased risk of dropping out.

Accessing School and Student Reports

School Truancy Report

SCDE has provided a school report for reviewing student truancy. Follow these guidelines here to access the school's truancy report.

Access and Download Truancy School Detail Report

Individual Student Truancy Report

SCDE has provided individual student truancy reports that are often used as part of the intervention meeting or other legal proceedings. Follow these guidelines to view the student report.

Truancy Reports: SC 40 Truancy Report By Student

Reporting through Incident Management

To effectively address truancy and chronic absenteeism, schools and districts have developed an incident management process. This process involves a systematic approach to identify, document, and intervene in cases of truancy and chronic absenteeism. The incident management process aims to promote regular attendance, identify underlying issues contributing to absenteeism, and provide appropriate support and interventions to students and their families.

The incident management process typically involves the following steps:

1. Identification: Schools use attendance records to identify students who are frequently absent or have a pattern of truancy. This step helps to flag potential cases of chronic absenteeism and truancy.

2. Documentation: Once a student is identified as chronically absent or truant, the school documents the absences and maintains accurate records. This documentation is essential for monitoring trends, identifying patterns, and determining appropriate interventions.

3. Intervention: Schools work closely with students, parents, and other stakeholders to develop intervention plans tailored to the specific needs of the student. These interventions may include counseling, mentoring, academic support, and collaboration with community resources.

4. Monitoring and Follow-up: After implementing interventions, schools closely monitor the student's attendance and progress. Regular communication with parents and guardians helps to ensure ongoing support and follow-up.

5. Evaluation: Schools regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their intervention strategies and make adjustments as needed. This step allows for continuous improvement in addressing truancy and chronic absenteeism.

It is important to note that the incident management process is not punitive but rather aims to provide support and resources to students and their families. By addressing the underlying causes of truancy and chronic absenteeism, schools can help students overcome barriers to regular attendance and improve their overall educational experience.

In conclusion, truancy and chronic absenteeism are concerns that require attention and intervention. The incident management process provides a systematic approach to identify, document, and support students who are struggling with attendance. By implementing effective strategies and interventions, schools can promote regular attendance, academic success, and the overall well-being of students.

Truancy, Chronic Absenteeism, and Incident Management

South Carolina Department of Education: Attendance Resources