Truancy is recognized by the State Board of Education as primarily an educational issue. Academic struggles, school safety concerns, and lack of family commitment to education are among the many factors that can lead to truancy. Obviously, students cannot achieve academically if they are not attending school on a regular basis. Students who are frequently absent and fall behind in their course work can find it difficult, if not impossible, to catch up. Truancy is often the first sign of student problems that, without intervention, may lead to academic failure. Students who feel incompetent in the classroom and disengaged from school are more likely to drop out.
Not only are these children at risk academically, but truancy is often the first precursor to future juvenile delinquency. A lack of commitment to school is a risk factor for multiple problems such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and dropping out of school.
Aside from the severe consequences to individual students, truancy also has significant societal costs. Less educated workers are often unable to obtain or satisfactorily perform skilled jobs, which leads to higher unemployment and a less competitive work force. Youth who move from truancy to delinquency are also more likely to engage in criminal behavior as adults.
Truancy is a red flag which may indicate a variety of underlying issues, such as academic problems, parental neglect, low self-esteem, or negative peer involvement. Early intervention is critical before a cycle of irregular attendance, school disengagement, and academic failure becomes entrenched. A coordinated, comprehensive approach will provide the best opportunities for all students, maximize needed funding opportunities, and improve the future for individuals and communities.