Truancy
Involvement
In May 2009, the Pennsylvania State Roundtable identified the issue of truancy as a priority. Recognizing the value of education and the importance of a child's connection with their school, State Roundtable members endorsed the creation of a Truancy Workgroup. The charge of the Truancy Workgroup in 2009 was to gather information about critical systemic issues in Pennsylvania regarding truancy, examine existing truancy data, identify nationally recognized and Pennsylvania best practices and outline both an approach and a series of recommendations for reducing truancy in Pennsylvania. The Truancy Workgroup is co-chaired by The Honorable John Kuhn, President Judge, Adams County Court of Common Pleas and Cynthia Stoltz Esq., Administrator, Allegheny County Children's Court. Workgroup members include a variety of respected Pennsylvania experts from multiple disciplines including: courts, child welfare, education and juvenile justice.
Report and Recommendations
In May 2010 The State Roundtable unanimously adopted "Truancy: A Call to Action Report and Recommendations to the Pennsylvania State Roundtable". This report comprises the efforts put forth by the Truancy Workgroup including identification of key issues surrounding truancy, an analysis of available truancy data and a set of five 'core components' which ultimately formed the cornerstone of their recommendations. Those components focus on: collaboration, enhanced school culture around education, prevention and early intervention, and creative partnerships which utilize data to inform decisions and build sustainable resources. This report does not propose a one size fits all truancy elimination program. Instead, it reflects the Workgroup's firm belief that a comprehensive, community-based effort incorporating the five core elements (above) to create a culture which prioritizes regular school attendance as the best approach. Information on the five core components is also available in a one page Recommendations Handout.
Ongoing Efforts for the Truancy Workgroup
In May 2010, the State Roundtable requested the Truancy Workgroup continue its efforts to assist Pennsylvania counties. The groups focus for 2010-2011 includes: developing a truancy report implementation strategy, collaborate with the Juvenile Court Judges Commission to identify truancy laws needing clarification or alteration, engaging the medical community as a valued truancy elimination partner at both the state and local levels, and developing tools communities can utilize to address local truancy concerns.
To view a copy of the recently approved 2011Truancy Report, please click here.