Tiers 2 & 3 Intervention: Truancy Reduction

Authors

Ann O'Connor, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Reece L. Peterson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jenna Strawhun, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Learning Object

Date of this Version

3-2014

Citation

Strategy brief

Building and Sustaining Student Engagement series (March 2014)

Barkley Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Abstract

Conclusion

Truancy and chronic absenteeism are an increasing problem in many schools that can have a serious impact on whether a student drops out or stays in school, as well as whether or not they might later have interactions with the criminal court system. Many states have laws requiring students to attend school to a certain age and require schools to enforce these attendance laws, often with punitive consequences. There are several different strategies to increase attendance rates including mentoring programs, family or parent-based interventions, locating community resources to assist in meeting the needs of students and their families, strategies to increase school engagement and attachment, modifications to the structure of school and rewards and sanctions that are linked to school attendance. These strategies may be more effective at reducing truancy than traditional, punitive discipline. Schools are particularly encouraged to identify the specific reasons why an at-risk youth may be truant, and to develop data-based, individual interventions to address these concerns. Potential Reasons for individual Truancy Possible solutions by school personnel.