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August 22, 2010

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: Tackling truancy in public schools

Before kids can learn, they must be present

Anonymous The Tribune-Star The Tribune Star Sun Aug 22, 2010, 05:00 AM EDT

TERRE HAUTE — Free public education is imbedded in our ideals and principles as a civilized society. It’s an expensive commitment. But it’s worth it. Our country will have its greatest chance to survive and prosper if its people embrace education as part and parcel of the American dream.

Research shows that the ability of Americans to cash in on the “pursuit of happiness” is directly related to the level of education they achieve or sustain. Even in recessionary times such as these, education is a primary tool with which to weather an economic storm.

The importance of education is no secret. Nor is the notion that the right of access to a public education is worthless if not embraced and treated responsibly. In terms of a child, the primary responsibility for education lies with parents or adult caregivers. Yes, society funds its public schools through taxes, but parents must initially provide the fundamental values and character that will allow children to take full advantage of the educational opportunities presented them.

It is tragic that there are still some children who, thanks in large part to the inattention or lack of will of parents or caregivers, fail to routinely meet school attendance requirements.

While not all children can be guaranteed an adequate education while at school, it is guaranteed that their education will suffer if they aren’t in the building.

Because of truancy problems and laws requiring school attendance, school districts must devote considerable resources to keeping kids in the classroom. In Vigo County, habitually skipping school is a serious issue that has been met with an aggressive strategy. This year, middle school and high school students with a history of truancy are on notice that missing one day, or even one class, without an excused absence will earn them a trip to Vigo County Juvenile Court.

And the adults responsible for them will get some attention as well — a hefty court bill that could total as much as $500.

The new approach is a cooperative effort by the school district, juvenile probation officers and the prosecutor’s office to comply with the state’s compulsory attendance law requiring students to stay in school until age 18.

The message is clear. Truancy is not OK. And the consequences will be shared by all involved.

“We expect all kids to be in school,” says Ray Azar, director of student services for the Vigo County School Corp. “If they are absent, it has to be well-documented. If your child is truly sick, we send out a form for parents to fill out and for a doctor to sign.”

When a coalition of community institutions bands together to address a problem, it is worthy of note. But just in case the seriousness of repeated truancy continues to evade parents or other caregivers, the monetary penalties are nice touch. It will be expensive to be irresponsible where your kids are concerned. Having a child go into the juvenile justice system is not a trivial matter.

There is some good news in the crackdown on truancy. A majority of families targeted for their children’s repeated truancy have attended meetings, acknowledged past problems and pledged to correct them.

We applaud the new and more aggressive attention being paid to truancy problems by local education and law-enforcement officials, and are encourage by the initial, positive response from parents and caregivers. Heightened awareness and emphasis are important steps. For the sake of the affected children’s future, let’s hope it produces the desired long-term results.

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