Attendance
Attendance and Truancy
Student Services works closely with students, parents and schools to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn. Under state law, a student is considered habitually truant if they have reached the age of six by August 1 or is under the age of 17 and have missed four or more unexcused days of school in a month or 10 or more unexcused days in a school year.
In recent years, the concept of chronic absence is gaining traction across the country. A chronic absence is defined as being absent, excused or unexcused, for 10 percent or more of the school year. Access more information and research about chronic absence and initiatives to improve school attendance attendanceworks.org.
Did you know…
- Excused and unexcused absences can both add up to too much time lost in the classroom.
- Students are at-risk academically if they miss 10% of the school year, which equates to missing 17 days of school.
- Chronic absences affect the entire class, not just the student who is absent. If too many students miss school, teachers may have to repeat material so the absent student can catch up, which slows down learning for the rest of the class.
- Early interventions can help students and families obtain the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and get back on track.
Truancy Court
When all resources have been exhausted and the student continues to be habitually truant, a petition may be filed with the 17th Judicial Truancy Court. Once in court, students and families will need to respond to the Magistrate/Judge in regard to the student’s absences from school.
What's an Excused and Unexcused Absence: WPS BOE Student Attendance