Last month the Mayor embarked on a outreach of his school initiative and highlighted the truancy problem in SAISD. On one day the Mayor, several Councilmembers, school board members and various other volunteers went door-to-door asking students to return to school. At the end of the September 11th City Council Meeting, Councilman Rodriguez commented on his door-to-door efforts which has thus far succeeded in encouraging three students to return to school.

This is a serious situation and should receive closer examination. Where is the dialogue of why a student makes a decision to leave school? Does a simple question remedy the situation? What structure has been improved in the school to decrease school truancy? Each individual has a unique situation that causes truant behavior. What is the school doing to assist the student to come back and create success? Can the truant students be monitored to verify if they continue attending school or drop out again?

I had dinner with a teacher in NSISD and her job was to find a student who does not show up for class and ask the hard questions. She will call and meet with students to find out the true reason or obstacle to their unattendance and find ways to return them to class successfully. From my prior social work perspective she could be considered the caseworker for each truant student. From social work colleagues I have heard stories how the schools are resistant to social workers involved in schools. Yet, from the school social workers that I know, it is these specialized workers who provide the skill sets and training to help students better deal with their life stresses. If we let social workers contribute to the truancy solution then teachers can do what they are passionate about – teaching.

Truancy has far-reaching effects, not only on the individual but on the community at large. Certainly as citizens, we should all be aware of this growing issue in our schools and seek to better understand the why so that we can provide a solution.

Next May 2009, there will be a SAISD School Board election. This will probably be an issue in the campaign. Be aware, be knowledgeable, ask the questions, and get involved.

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