How Arizona Plans To Crack Down On Truancy

Ask any kid in the world, and they'll probably tell you if they could, they'd stop going to school all together. It's not an uncommon sentiment, but the vast majority pushes through regardless.

That's becoming less and less common in Arizona, as schools in the state have recorded record high absences, but the state isn't holding back anymore.

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Sure, there are plenty of reasons for kids to miss school. Doctors appointments, sick days, etc. These are more than allowed within the school system, life happens! The issue comes when kids are missing more school than they should.

Over the past few years, around 30% of students in Arizona are missing 18 days or more of school, meaning they're missing out on 10% of the school year. This is not a normal problem, and Arizona has finally had enough. Punishments are coming.

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How to Stop Absenteeism

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan has a plan, and parents won't be too happy. It's hard to fully prosecute kids for just missing school, but their parents are another matter. Arizona law states that it is a Class 3 Misdemeanor if a parent allows their child to skip school, and law enforcement agencies across the state have agreed to start cracking down.

Several school distracts have also started playing their part, by removing class credits for students with nine or more unexcused absences. Schools have made it clear that they are willing to help, and want to work with parents to help get their students to class. The goal is to fix the problem without the help of local law enforcement, but when times are this dire, they'll do whatever they have to.

[AZ Family]