The good news…Over the past 10 years, Madison schools have been focusing attention on improving the attendance rate for all students - with good reason.  Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve in academics, athletics, and overall school participation. 

We've still got work to do... However, the number of students who are habitually truant has risen in recent years.  

According to Wisconsin State Statutes, students are considered habitually truant when they have 5 or more unexcused absences during one semester.  Habitual truancy poses some unique challenges to our students and to our staff;  it's not always initially clear why students are not coming to school, or what needs to be done to re-engage them. 

This interview provides an opportunity to explore why the absences are occurring, and helps to identify strategies and key resources within our schools and the community that can help resolve these issues. Parents/guardians are also asked for their input. 

All hands on deck... This has been an enormous undertaking, involving our student services and clerical staff, administrators, and many teachers of special education and English language learners.

And it hasn't been easy!  The numbers are large, and it is often difficult to make contact with absent students.