Children Absent More Than 15 Days From School

Measure

Percent of students who are absent more than 15 days from school during the school year.

Why is this indicator important?

Students with the highest truancy rates have the lowest academic achievement and are more likely to drop out of school. Truancy is often associated with substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy and other risky behaviors.

How are we doing in Hall County?

• The number of students missing more than 15 days of school during a school year decreased in both the Gainesville City and Hall County school systems in 2008-09 from 2007-08.

What does the research tell us we can do to improve this indicator?

• Increase parent/guardian and family involvement

• Identify and address underlying causes of truancy with family

• Include incentives for attendance and consequences for absenteeism

• Use effective record-keeping methods to track improvements in student attendance and truancy rates 

• Address the factors that contribute to truancy in three areas: school; family and community; and student characteristics

• Increase awareness of truancy laws and consequences for parents and guardians