Truancy Prevention Program in Rural School in Virginia
Here is what a school counselor involved with the program had to say:
The 5 Needs program helped an elementary school reduce chronic truancy. In a collaborative effort, staff gathered with parents and students who missed more than 15% of school days. The 5 Needs were taught to parents and students in an interactive format. Data showed that The 5 Needs helped families feel more included and reduced attendance barriers.
Cheryl James, MA, NBCT
Attendance matters. In fact, parents have been taken to court to discuss the importance of their child’s education. If they choose to homeschool, they must provide documentation that their child is getting an education. Many people do an excellent job homeschooling. If they choose to have the child attend school, it is important for the child to show up and be ready and able to learn. The reasons truancy can be a problem are numerous and often complicated.
We had the privilege of working with staff at an elementary school in a rural area to address truancy in the school using The 5 Needs in Life materials. The school counselor, county truancy officers, principal, assistant principal and social worker were involved. Teachers were aware and supporting the students and encouraging them; they had no extra work to do.
According to the records and teacher reports, student attendance improved as well as their self-esteem, as they felt they belonged to a special after-school group-even getting special t-shirts to wear. These children became more engaged in school, had joy about coming to school, and some felt like winners instead of feeling they could do nothing right.
Their parents participated in the program too. There was no judgment, and no threat. We met with understanding and compassion, all on the same team, different roles, but all with one goal: what was best for the children. Everyone involved cared.
A local judge who some parents had previously seen in court, and would see again if changes were not made, spoke to the group and individually while sharing pizza. The judge explained the laws and reasons behind the laws, but he mostly showed care and compassion while also holding a high standard for the parents. He became more human to them, and less threatening.
The parents spent another evening with staff from the local department of social services who showed them that they, too, are human, and want to help and support them, not attack them. The walls that were built out of fear were reduced and for some removed completely. Resources were provided including contact information, resources, and how to apply for specific services (food stamps, etc).
Some feelings of shame and guilt were exchanged for acceptance and the reality that we all struggle from time to time. We are not alone unless we choose to be. The 5 Needs in Life helped normalize some of the struggle while also providing hope by identifying their needs and beginning to meet these needs.
At the end of the program, children put on a show for their parents. Some performed a skit, others displayed their artwork or something creative they did with the counselor. The sheer joy in their eyes and their parents’ eyes was priceless.
YES. You too can do this…but…
Those who worked in this program worked tirelessly, for free, after hours and made a positive impact. Getting a grant to support and compensate the workers in the program, buy refreshments, provide workbooks, and other necessities is one way to fund the program, unless the school budget has funds or the PTA/PTO could provide funding. As you can imagine, getting parents who are overwhelmed to show up after work isn’t easy. Those involved were committed. We called each family at least once a week, using a phone tree. We checked on each child often. We were all so grateful for the positive impact.
We will be providing more information on how to create your won program in the near future, in the meantime, if you are interested in developing a Truancy Prevention Program using The 5 Needs in Life materials, contact Wendy. We can help personalize what your school needs
