One of the initial purposes of Lakeside’s first school was to help with truancy of our students. Ever since those early days, one significant reason for referrals to our four schools and Mobile Support Program is the fact that students have stopped going to their school on a regular basis. Often this is identified as a disciplinary problem, but we know that behind the story of truancy is usually a deeper set of issues.
Truancy is more than skipping class. If it is chronic it is a sign that students are disengaging from school. There could be a myriad of reasons or issues related to this type of situation. There could be anxiety, bullying, peer related social issues, depression and other mental health struggles, academic performance issues or other frustrations.
Some teens find that school is no longer meaningful for them. When their subjects feel very disconnected from their life they can rationalize not attending school. It begins with skipping a day or two and then moves to longer periods of time when they can be identified as chronically truant.
The consequences of missing school can be significant. Students could end up failing a grade, become isolated and risk dropping out which can be a life-long problem. Attempting to get employment and have any kind of income and career becomes challenging, which can lead to finding other means to secure income that could result in significant life difficulties.
What we know is that punitive measures do not typically work for truancy. Punitive measures increase the level of disengagement through threats or shame that push students away. We attempt to find ways to engage our truant students by finding ways that will motivate them to attend and participate in their classes. Sometimes that means that someone will take interest in them, build a relationship and encourage them about their achievements while at school.
We must remember the simple steps of connection. When a student is truant, it is a signal that they need specialized support. We recognize that attendance is a sign of healthy connection at the most basic level. When teens feel valued, supported and engaged in their learning process they are more likely to show up both physically and emotionally. Building on that engagement through a healthy relationship with an adult is key to resolving the issue of truancy.
Truancy is not just about missing school – it is a signal that a student has some unmet needs that should be addressed in the response. There needs to be compassion, support and the willingness to create a new path for their lives that will motivate and encourage them to engage back into their school environment. That new approach and strategy is vital for change which can lead to reengagement and to successful academic outcomes. Those outcomes can be the catalyst to a whole life of empowering growth and achievements.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
