1	Truants’ path through 'the system‘ & consequences
2	Introduction This series of illustrations demonstrates the usual sequence of steps when students fail to comply with Texas’ compulsory attendance law. Art by Bradley Weber, Illustration by Richard Williamson LCSW LSOTP
3	Truancy defined: Failure to attend school 3 or more days or parts of days in a four week period or 10 days or parts of days in a six month period
4	Most time/attendance problems are handled within the school. However, those cases not handled by the attendance office and/or the principal’s office are filed in a Justice of the Peace or Municipal Court or with the District Attorney’s office for prosecution as a criminal case against the student and/or parent.
5	A municipal or justice court orders student and/or parent to appear in court The court issues an order to appear. Court costs are ordered, often from $70 - $90.00. Payment of a fine of up to $500 per day per unexcused absence may be ordered.
6	Judges review evidence from school and listen to the student & parent’s explanation for truancy.
7	You can lose your drivers’ license or have to wait until you’re 18 because of truancy.
8	The Review Hearing A few weeks after the initial hearing, the judge may schedule another hearing to see if attendance improved and if other assignments were completed.
9	Contempt of Court If, at the review hearing, the judge finds the student and/or parent failed to comply with the previous court order, the judge may issue a ‘contempt of court’ order and detain the student and/or jail the parent or guardian.
10	An example A varsity MVP football player (‘A’ honor roll) was handcuffed and taken to a detention facility, charged with a Class C misdemeanor. He failed to get excuse notes from his parents, teachers and coaches when doing special projects. Also, he often walked his girlfriend to class, making him tardy.
11	What this can mean for parents/guardians
12	A Wreck!
13	Choices & decisions are important: Think!
14	Your future is coming! Not all truants become dropouts, but nearly all dropouts were truants.
15	How Does an Education Effect Your Earning Ability? During the prime work age (25-54) the median high school dropout income is only 50% of what a high school graduate makes, and only 30% of what a college graduate makes. High School Dropout $17, 000 High School Diploma $24, 000 Some College $30, 000 Associates $34,000 Bachelor’s $44,000 Master’s $56,000 (average yearly salary, nationwide)
16	Unemployment Rate by Educational Attainment 2000, National Dropout Prevention Center Doctoral Degree: 1.6% Master’s Degree: 2.8% Bachelor’s degree: 3.1% Associate’s degree: 4.0% Some College: 4.8% High school degree: 5.3% Less than high school: 8.5%
17	How would being a dropout feel? In addition to the present costs (fines, court costs, service fees), In addition to lost earning potential, In addition to losing a drivers’ license, There is a price to be paid, daily, in self-esteem and self-confidence. Imagine yourself at thirty years old without a diploma. Invest in your future; do what it takes to catch up and get back on track!
18	Dropping out of school and ending up in prison is more likely than getting lung cancer from smoking. 75% of America’s state prison inmates are high school dropouts
19	Suggestions The school maintains an attendance report for each student. Become familiar with your attendance report. Convince attendance office staff that you value your education. Attend school each and every class, each and every day, on time. Get your education!
20	Teamwork!
21	Can I afford college? You can’t afford NOT attending college! There are many grants, loans, and scholarships available. “by age 33, the typical college graduate has earned enough to compensate for both the cost of attending a four-year public school and for earnings passed up during the college years, said Gaston Caperton, president of the nonprofit College Board.” To apply for financial aid, go to: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
22	Research Findings High school dropouts are two and a half times more likely to be on welfare than high school graduates. In Minneapolis, daytime crime dropped 68 percent after police began ticketing truant students. Truancy is a gateway to crime. High rates of truancy are linked to high daytime burglary rates and high vandalism.
23	Research Findings (crime) During a sample period in Miami more than 71 percent of 13 to 16 year-olds prosecuted for criminal violations had been truant. In San Diego, 44 percent of violent juvenile crime occurs between 8:30 a.m . & 1:30 p.m. 75% of America’s state prison inmates are high school dropouts (Harlow, 2003). 59% of America’s federal prison inmates did not complete high school. (Harlow, 2003)