Attendance Awareness - Trinity Basin Preparatory

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Why Is Attendance Important?

Attendance Matters, Even for Our Youngest Learners!

In the early years of education, consistent attendance plays a crucial role in setting children up for future success. Research shows that the earlier children start school and the more consistently they attend, the better their outcomes are likely to be. However, a troubling trend has emerged since COVID-19: chronic absenteeism.

Chronic absenteeism refers to missing 10% or more of school days for any reason—whether excused or unexcused. This amounts to about 2 days per month or 18 days per year. In the context of early learning, this can significantly impact a child's development and academic progress.

Students who are chronically absent in their early years often struggle with crucial school readiness skills. This lack of preparedness can lead to missing important academic milestones and falling behind their peers in social and emotional development. The effects can be long-lasting, influencing their ability to keep up with their peers and succeed in later grades.

Preschoolers who miss 10% or more of their school year often enter kindergarten with lower levels of school readiness. By the time they reach first grade, they may show decreased academic achievement and are five times more likely to be chronically absent in second grade. Chronic absence in the early years is a red flag indicating potential difficulties with reading on grade level by third grade, leading to a domino effect of negative consequences for their future academic career.

Early learning experiences are foundational to a child's success in school and beyond. Educators and families need to collaborate to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. When children attend school consistently, they are more likely to develop the skills needed for academic and social success.

Addressing early childhood absenteeism isn't just about making sure children are present—it's about ensuring they get a strong start that will benefit them throughout their educational journey. By prioritizing attendance, we give our young learners the best chance to thrive both now and in the future.

90% of the Work Is Just Showing Up!

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism

The Rise in Absenteeism: Chronic absenteeism has many underlying causes, including physical and mental health challenges, and lack of transportation. However, one crucial and often overlooked factor is parental attitudes towards school attendance.

Changing Parental Attitudes: In recent years, particularly post-pandemic, many parents have become more lenient about their children missing school. Research and conversations with school leaders reveal a growing trend: parents now seem to value consistent, in-person attendance less than before. This shift in mindset is concerning, as it impacts students' academic and social development.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism: Chronic absenteeism doesn't just affect the students who miss school; it also disrupts the learning environment for their classmates. When students are frequently absent, it leads to chaotic classrooms where teachers struggle to balance the needs of present and absent students. This disruption can negatively impact the overall learning experience for everyone involved.

Long-Term Consequences: Absenteeism in early school years often translates into disengagement later in life, including in the workplace. Students who frequently miss school tend to have lower academic achievement and poorer economic outcomes as adults. Research shows that regular attendance is crucial for both immediate academic success and long-term economic stability.

Evidence from Research: Studies from the University of Chicago highlight the strong correlation between attendance and academic success. For example, each week of absences in ninth grade significantly lowers grade point averages and decreases the likelihood of graduating from high school. In contrast, "college-ready" students typically maintain average attendance rates of 98%, missing less than a week of school each year.

Setting Expectations: It's vital to set clear expectations and responsibilities for school attendance early on. By doing so, we help our children develop a strong foundation for future success. Consistent attendance is not just about being present—it's about fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring long-term academic and personal growth.

FAQs

What is chronic absenteeism?

Why is regular school attendance so important for young children?

Students who are chronically absent in the early years often lack the critical school readiness skills, and are more likely to miss important academic milestones, and are highly likely to fall behind their peers with social emotional development.

So, addressing early childhood absenteeism isn’t just about attendance—it’s about ensuring a strong start for our young learners.

Attendance Matters, even for our youngest leaners!

What are the effects of missing school often in early grades?

Children who miss school regularly in the early years may struggle with basic skills, have a harder time catching up with their peers, and face challenges with their social-emotional development. Research shows that preschoolers who miss 10% or more of the school year arrive at kindergarten with lower levels of school readiness, lover academic achievement by first grade, and are 5x more likely to be chronically absent in second grade.

How does missing preschool affect future school success?

What long-term problems can chronic absenteeism cause?

How does absenteeism disrupt classroom learning?

What is truancy?

Truancy refers to when a student is absent from school without a valid excuse. In Texas, if a student misses ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period during the same school year, the student’s parent or legal guardian may face prosecution under Texas Education Code § 25.093. Additionally, the student may be referred to a truancy court for truant conduct under Texas Family Code § 65.003(a). Trinity Basin Preparatory (TBP) will notify the student’s parent if the student has been absent without excuse on three days or parts of days within a four-week period.

TBP is required by law to refer any student with ten or more absences within a six-month period to a truancy court. TBP may also file a complaint against the student’s parent in a county, justice, or municipal court if there is evidence of the parent’s criminal negligence. In Texas, children aged 6-18 must attend school regularly. Parents can be cited for contributing to non-attendance, and if convicted, they may be fined up to $500 for each of their child's unexcused absences.

What should a student do when returning to school after an absence?

When students return to school after absences, they must bring a note to the office regarding the absence. Notes from a doctor, medical provider, or court will excuse the absence for truancy purposes. TBP excuses 4 days per school year from parent notes.

Parents can email their campus attendance staff with a copy of a medical note or an explanation of their child’s absence. Attendance emails should include the student’s name in the subject line and be sent to the appropriate attendance email address for their child’s campus.

How is credit for a class determined regarding attendance?

To receive credit for a class, students must attend at least 90% of the class days offered. This includes all absences, whether excused, unexcused, or due to suspension. Students who attend fewer than 90% of the days may not receive credit for the class unless an attendance committee determines that the absences were due to extenuating circumstances. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to appeal to the attendance committee for credit or promotion.