Truancy: a look at definitions in the USA and other territories

Abstract

There is no shortage of definitions for truancy. One state may house many different definitions and there are a variety of challenges arising from this fact. One of the most important to researchers, policy-makers and educators alike, is that because of the lack of uniformity and consistency, it is difficult to compile and ascertain the totality of the phenomenon. The lack of a consistent definition influences a wide range of outcomes including policy matters, financial resources and definitive responses and intervention strategies. This manuscript attempts to synthesise the literature through the examination of operational definitions of truancy in the USA and in other territories. In addition to these operational definitions, expert opinions from focus groups proposed an enhanced definition of truancy. The study is qualitative and uses focus groups and synthesis of the literature to frame the work. Findings are presented. The goal is to synthesise the literature, not in its entirety, but in an attempt to combine and inform the conversation on a definition of truancy.

Keywords:

• truancy
• definition of truancy
• focus groups on truancy
• operational definitions of truancy

Acknowledgements

We thank the IATDP Executive and Membership for their support. Special editorial thanks to Eun Hye Yi, Sisters Mary Serra, Mary Rose, Liz, and Carol.

Notes

1. According to Mendel (2000), in reference to a study of the cost of dropping out and engaging in a life of delinquency and drugs, the total cost to the American tax payer is $470,000–$750,000 per child annually with a total lost, on average, ranging from $1.7 to $2.3 million annually.

2. The IATDP is a body comprising education workers, government officials and other stakeholders working jointly to address truancy and reduce student attrition. It has been in existence since 1911 (IATDP, n.d.). The group, IATDP was chosen because the primary author was invited to conduct a session on defining truancy at their 102nd conference.

3. The Boston Urban Youth Foundation is a community-based organisation with a focus on helping Black and Hispanic youth towards a more secure academic future (Rodríguez and Conchas 2009).