California Elementary School Truancy Rates Up Slightly Despite Push
LOS ANGELES (AP) - California elementary school truancy rates are up slightly despite efforts by nearly all the state's school districts to implement improved practices to reduce absenteeism.
Attorney General Kamala Harris on Wednesday released an annual report on absenteeism, which finds a small increase from 21.3 percent in 2012-13 to 23.2 percent in 2013-14. However, the report says, the rise may be an indication of improved monitoring and tracking.
Some 95 percent of surveyed districts report they have made changes to truancy policies, including improved communication with local administrators and parents.
Harris says it may be too soon to see the effects of the new efforts.
Research has found students who are truant starting at a young age are more likely to drop out.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
