Schools must put into place a comprehensive system of services and supports for students based on a continuum beginning with prevention, and resulting in appropriate intervention. As detailed in legislation provided in this toolkit, schools have an obligation and responsibility under the law to ensure that they are taking required actions to address truancy. Truancy may result from many factors, thus there are many approaches and programs that schools can utilize to mitigate against truancy and encourage student attendance.

A school system that has aligned standards, curriculum, instruction, assessment, materials and interventions has the key framework through which all students can have the opportunity to be known by name and graduate prepared for a successful life after high school regardless of their background or circumstances. Schools should identify and coordinate with appropriate internal and external resources to meet the academic needs and address existing social, emotional, physical, mental and behavioral health issues of each student. Chapter 12 (see Section II.D.) requires each district to create a plan focusing on student services and emphasizing wellness and resiliency. Strategies for promoting student attendance and reducing truancy should be essential components of each district’s plan.

A number of fiscal resources may be available to support school district efforts, including Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities grants, Accountability Block Grants, Safe Schools grants, Title I and other funding sources (see the Resources pages).