Truancy program helps fight the good fight

School truancy is not a new problem. Truancy is, in fact, not only a concern throughout the U.S., but also in other countries.

A recent article in The Guardian by education historian Nicola Sheldon could be describing schools across America: “Why is it so difficult to reduce truancy in schools? ... A small proportion of students accounts for a significant amount of absence. … Many local initiatives have been tried. After fines, court summonses, truancy sweeps, behavior and attendance consultants, what can be done which hasn’t already been tried?”

There are — and have always been — compulsory school attendance laws on the books, but enforcement remains a challenge, less of a priority, of course, than criminal activity.

Changes in educational methodologies have helped, with teachers incorporating a wide range of creative and innovative strategies for better engaging students. However, the number one school-attendance-enforcers are parents.

Until education is highly valued by all parents, school truancy will be with us.

As educators, we continually seek solutions for this problem. One solution that’s shown great success is our truancy program in place since last year, thanks to a grant through The New Mexico Public Education Department at our three middle schools.

Facilitated by Student Success Coaches Val McCamish, Stephanie Parker and Joseph Williams, the program has gained momentum through efforts in working with caseloads of students and families, as well as their creative activities in tying in community members and businesses.

The program is too all-encompassing to describe in detail, but worth highlighting is the most recent event that took place at Yucca Middle School.

With the theme of “Just Show Up!” the Attendance Assembly not only showcased students with perfect monthly attendance, but those who’ve shown improvement.

The gym was bursting with excitement during the assembly, spurred on by staff and enthusiastic community leaders and business owners who donated many of the incentives and prizes.

Our student success coaches work closely together and recently attended a statewide training.

A strong indicator of the success of the program was when, subsequent to the training, the Albuquerque Public Schools invited our folks to come present what they’re doing in Clovis, impressed with our program.

Well done, all who have been involved with this, and heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful community members.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools. She can be reached at: [email protected]