From WCS Infocus
A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. That’s the message from Williamson County School Truancy Interventionist Angie Prosise.
This new position was created to keep students in the classroom after a new state law was passed which requires intervention from school personnel when students accrue five or more unexcused absences.
In WCS, a student’s first eight absences may be excused with a parent’s note. A doctor’s note is required each time a student misses school after eight absences. If a student accrues five unexcused absences, the first tier of the truancy intervention plan goes into effect. If the student continues to accumulate unexcused absences, tiers two and three will go into effect.
Tier One (5 or more unexcused absences)
School officials will check attendance and connect the student and family with a school-based Truancy Team member to create a contract and monitor progress.
Tier Two (Continued accumulation of unexcused absences)
A school-based Truancy Team member will check student needs through an individualized assessment and connect families with the district Truancy Interventionist to determine the next steps and coordinate services to support attendance.
Tier Three (Continued accumulation of unexcused absences and/or non-compliance with Tier Two mandates)
A school-based Truancy Team will check student progress and determine the next steps, which may include filing a petition with juvenile court if other connections have failed.
“Research shows attendance is an important factor in student achievement,” said Prosise. “Let’s reinforce the importance of being present.”
Truancy vs. Chronic Absenteeism
This truancy intervention plan should not be confused with the State’s chronic absenteeism accountability measure, which places a larger emphasis on attendance when the district and schools are given performance scores.
Students who miss 18 school days per year will be considered “chronically absent” according to the Tennessee Department of Education, and schools’ student absences records will be reflected in the district’s state report card.
For more information or support regarding attendance, email Prosise or call 615-472-4270 ext. 12352.
