(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.
Follow us for more stories like this
CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you. As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.
Donate Today
