Examination of risky truancy behaviors and gender differences among elementary school children

ABSTRACT

There has been a dramatic increase in the rate of truancy cases throughout the United States, and despite truancy reduction efforts, truancy rates remained constant. Truancy is frequently associated with youth’s high-risk behaviors and negative academic and life outcomes. Given the negative impact of truancy, conducting research on school attendance is critical to the success of youth over the life course. The current study examined a sample of 23,459 students referred to the Truancy Assessment and Service Centers (TASC) program to understand the characteristics of elementary school children at risk for truancy by exploring gender differences in the service needs reported by truant children and their families. Results indicate the leading risk factors for truancy include child behavioral problems, educational issues, and parental practices. Also, there were no significant differences between boys and girls related to truancy risk factors nor the types of services children in the TASC program needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Absenteeism
• academic success
• African American children
• at-risk
• Juvenile delinquency