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
- Unaware of school calendar, class schedule and assignments
- Never receiving mail from school
- Failing grades
- Keeping close company with non-school attending friends
- Complaints of conflict with teacher and peers
- Refusing to go to school
- Evidence of alcohol and/or drug use
What Parents and Guardians Can Do:
- Talk about the importance of regular school attendance with your child.
- Let the child know that you expect him/her to attend school everyday.
- Help your child arrive at school on time.
- Participate in all possible areas of your child’s education.
- Call the school or write a note to report the dates and the reason(s) for absences within two school days.
- Notify the school about anticipated absences before they occur.
- Attend school conferences to resolve any attendance issues.
- Cooperate with school personnel in correcting attendance problems.
- Monitor the accuracy of your child’s attendance record on a frequent basis.
- Notify the school of any changes in your home address/ or home /work/emergency/telephone numbers.
Some Truancy Interventions:
- Parent - teacher conference
- Home visits
- Tutorial services
- Multidisciplinary team assessments
- Individual, group and family counseling
- Health services
- Peer/mediation counseling
- Referral to other school personnel as needed
- Referral to community/court resources