Impact of Truancy
Chronic absenteeism is one of the leading causes of future high school dropouts. During the 2010-2011 school year, Minnesota’s graduation rate for all students was only 77%, leaving 23% of Minnesota students unaccounted for. What many people don’t realize is that missing even 2 days a month puts our youth at risk for dropping out of school before obtaining their High School Diploma.
Decreasing any unexcused absences can greatly increase the chances of school success and serve as early intervention to truancy prevention.
About the Program
The Scott County Truancy Diversion Program is a youth centered community collaborative approach that involves Social Services, Community Corrections, County Attorney’s Office, Scott County Mental Health Center and Scott County Schools.
The Diversion Program's efforts first look to assist the student, family and school in developing a support plan to improve school attendance. The best chance for success begins at the school level with the school offering support to the student and guardian.
When the efforts between family and school are unsuccessful in increasing school attendance, the school may refer the case to the Scott County Attorney’s Office for intervention from the Scott County Truancy Diversion Team.
References
- ED Data Express: Minnesota State Snapshot, website
- Attendance Works, website: Advancing Student Success By Reducing Chronic Absences, article
