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Keeping Kids in School

NCJ Number
188417
Date Published
2000
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This action kit provides communities with tools for developing truancy prevention programs as part of a strategy to reduce juvenile substance abuse and crime.
Abstract
After presenting some important facts on truancy, guidelines are provided on how to assess the local problem. These include examining school attendance records to determine whether unexcused absences are a significant problem; determining the transportation situation for students in the community; checking with teachers to determine whether kids who miss school frequently are behind in their school work; and checking with the local police department to determine whether they have high rates of juvenile crime during school hours. The kit then suggests actions a community can take to counter truancy and identifies the essential elements of a comprehensive strategy. Next, information is provided on how to develop effective after-school programs for youth. Examples of what some communities are doing are presented. Some communities are responding to truancy problems by enacting tough measures to keep kids in class, and other communities are aiming to prevent truancy by offering positive activities that increase students' interest in school, academic performance, and confidence levels. Further, the kit contains tips from community leaders on addressing truancy, as well as resources for more information on truancy.