Some Experts Say Truancy Prevention Efforts Should Begin In Elementary School

Education Week (10/14, Sparks) reported that more studies are being released suggesting "that the start of elementary school is the critical time to prevent truancy -- particularly as those programs become more academic." The organizations Attendance Counts and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, for instance, cite statistics showing that "an average of one in 10 students younger than grade 3 nationwide is considered chronically absent, defined as missing 10 percent or more of school." For poor students, "the problem is particularly acute," according to the Casey Foundation. Hedy N. Chang of Attendance Counts "said high kindergarten absences are the norm nationwide, but tend to get less attention from educators and policymakers than secondary school truancy." Chang argued that even kindergarten absences can have lasting effects on academics, explaining, "Kindergarten as an academic resource is a relatively new experience. ... Parents may think of their own experience, but kindergartners today are learning to read," she said.