{"id":354998,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/truancy-the-extent-of-the-problem.html"},"modified":"2023-10-31T16:50:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T21:50:27","slug":"truancy-the-extent-of-the-problem","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/student-conduct-and-discipline\/truancy-the-extent-of-the-problem.html","title":{"rendered":"Truancy: The Extent of the Problem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Truancy: The Extent of the Problem<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Mills Richmond, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

School attendance is a key component of successful learning. In both federal law and state law, students must attend school throughout the school year. Truancy, or unexcused absences, disrupts the learning environment. It is disruptive not only to the absent student but also to others. Student conduct within the school code of conduct, such as regular attendance, is vital to the school program. It is also crucial to grade-level advancement.<\/p>\r\n

School attendance is compulsory for all children of certain years of age, as per state law. But certain exemptions can be applied in certain circumstances. This could include health issues or particular educational needs. All public schools are free schools, meaning no child can be denied education due to an inability to pay.<\/p>\r\n

Chronic absences from school affect more than a student’s grades<\/a>. Absenteeism and truancy<\/a> often signal deeper issues affecting the student. It can also be reflective of the school and community as a whole. Some schools estimate that up to 75% of chronic truants eventually drop out. As a result, many people have studied truancy extensively.<\/a> This helps determine the factors that contribute to truancy. They also aim to understand the risk factors often associated with truancy and how to prevent students from skipping school. <\/a>This article provides a brief overview of student absences that lead to truancy.<\/p>\r\n

Factors Contributing to Truancy<\/h2>\r\n

There is no single reason that students become truants. Many factors can lead to a student’s decision to skip school. These factors can come from the school and its facilities. Or it can be because of the student’s home life or other personal issues.<\/p>\r\n

The state of America’s schools can play a role in students’ willingness and motivation to attend. When students feel unsafe, unchallenged, or unimportant at school, they may decide not to attend. School-related factors contributing to truancy include:<\/p>\r\n