Why Attendance Matters...
Good attendance is a habit that children need to learn early. Attendance is related to a child’s
ability to be successful in all areas of school: academics, behavioral and social. Any time a child
misses a day of school, it is a missed opportunity to learn. Regardless of the reason a child is out
of school, they are missing instruction.
School attendance is one of the most important factors related to school success and graduation. The research below provides some useful and very interesting information.
- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half of the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school. (Olson, 2014)
- Chronic absenteeism and habitual truancy are important predictors of school performance, including high school graduation. Chronic absenteeism can reduce the likelihood of post-secondary enrollment. (Balfanz & Byrnes, 2012)
- By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school.(Balfanz & Byrnes, 2012)
- By middle and high school, chronic absences are a leading warning sign that a student will drop out. (Balfanz & Byrnes, 2012)
- Students who are routinely absent are also more likely to drop out of high school prior to earning their high school diploma. (Spradlin, Stephanie, Chen, Shi, Chen, Han, & Cierniak, 2012)
- Students who are chronically absent from school face an increase chance of future unemployment. (Lochmiller, 2013)
If you have any questions regarding your child's attendance, please feel free to call Round Top's attendance secretary, Teri Anton at 691-8676.
