Exploring Strategies to Address Student Truancy in California Districts
The issue of student truancy in California has long been a concern for school districts and policymakers. While the state’s truancy law is in place to address this issue, recent trends show a shift away from punitive measures towards more supportive interventions. With the rise of chronic absenteeism, especially during the pandemic, school districts are reevaluating their approach to addressing truancy and finding innovative strategies to keep students in school.
Changing Approaches to Truancy Enforcement
In the past, school districts in California were quick to resort to punitive measures such as taking parents to court for their child’s truancy. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards more proactive and supportive interventions. Instead of immediately involving the criminal justice system, districts are now focusing on internal strategies to address truancy challenges before taking legal action.
Jonathan Raven, assistant CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, acknowledges that most districts are going beyond what the law requires to address truancy issues internally. This shift reflects a growing recognition that punitive measures may not always be effective, especially if the reasons for a child’s truancy are beyond the parent’s control.
The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism has become a national crisis, with California experiencing a significant increase in absenteeism rates in recent years. The percentage of chronically absent students in the state more than doubled from 12.1% in 2018-19 to 30% in 2021-22, following the pandemic. While the percentage dropped to nearly 25% in 2022-23, the issue remains a pressing concern for educators and policymakers.
The Rise of Supportive Interventions
In response to the challenges posed by chronic absenteeism, school districts are implementing targeted and constant communication strategies with families. Phone calls, emails, texts, letters, and in-person visits are being used to engage parents and students in addressing truancy issues. In Santa Clara County, for example, prosecutors from the district attorney’s office engage with parents at the start of the school year to emphasize the importance of attendance, particularly in the earliest grades.
Alisha Schoen, a community prosecutor in Santa Clara, highlights the importance of early intervention and support for families facing truancy issues. School districts in the county conduct home visits for students near truancy, and families are referred to the local student attendance review board (SARB) for further intervention. The SARB works with families to develop attendance contracts and provide support services to improve student attendance.
Collaborative Approaches to Truancy
In Santa Clara County, parents whose children continue to miss school despite interventions may be issued infractions by the district attorney’s office. However, the focus is on resolving the underlying issues contributing to truancy rather than imposing fines or jail time. The collaborative truancy court in the county offers families access to behavioral health services, parenting classes, and other support services to address the root causes of truancy.
Jennifer McHugh, a deputy district attorney in Yolo County, emphasizes the importance of resolving truancy issues collaboratively. Mediation sessions with families aim to establish attendance contracts and provide support services to address the challenges students and their families may be facing. The goal is to ensure students attend school regularly and avoid further court involvement.
Addressing Disparities in Truancy Enforcement
Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works, highlights disparities in how truancy is addressed in schools serving socioeconomically disadvantaged students. Research shows that students from marginalized communities, such as Black, Native American, Latino, and Pacific Islander students, are more likely to have unexcused absences. Schools serving these communities are more likely to adopt punitive approaches to truancy, such as suspending driver’s licenses or imposing extracurricular restrictions.
Chang emphasizes the need for equitable and supportive approaches to addressing truancy, regardless of a student’s background. By investing in prevention and providing resources for outreach to families, schools can address chronic absenteeism effectively. The focus should be on supporting students and families to improve attendance rather than resorting to punitive measures.
Moving Towards a Supportive Truancy Model
As California grapples with the challenges of chronic absenteeism, school districts are reevaluating their approach to addressing truancy. By adopting supportive interventions, such as targeted communication, home visits, and collaboration with families, districts can effectively address the root causes of truancy and keep students in school. The focus is on providing support services and resources to families facing truancy challenges, rather than punitive measures that may exacerbate the problem.
In conclusion, the evolution of strategies to address student truancy in California reflects a shift towards more supportive and collaborative approaches. By engaging families, providing resources, and addressing the underlying causes of truancy, school districts can effectively support students in attending school regularly. The focus on prevention and intervention highlights the importance of addressing chronic absenteeism as a community effort, with the goal of keeping students engaged in their education and on the path to success.