Truancy

To ensure your child receives the best education possible, attendance is of utmost importance. House Bill 2398, passed during the 84th Texas Legislative Session, enacted changes to the state’s school attendance laws. As of this school year, after the third unexcused absence within a four-week period, the parent is issued a warning notice that the student is subject to truancy prevention measures (TEC §25.095); the parent must be informed: 1) of the student’s absence; 2) of the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school; and 3) that the student is subject to truancy prevention measures.

 

The school district must request a conference between school officials and the parent to discuss absences. The District Truancy Prevention Measure is implemented to include: 1) a behavior improvement plan; 2) school-based community service [i.e., behavior contract, parenting programs/meetings, drug awareness programs, after- school tutoring; bullying/harassment counseling, etc.] and/or 3) counseling, mediation, mentoring, teen court, or other in-school or out-of-school services aimed at addressing the truant behavior.

If a student fails to attend school without excuse on 10 or more days or parts of days within a six-month period, the student shall be referred to truancy court within 10 school days of the student’s 10th absence. Students ages 12 to 18 may be referred to truancy court.