Cairo School District has a chronic truancy rate that far exceeds the State of Illinois' average. The purpose of the study was to understand the reasons for truancy at Cairo School District. Through data review and semi-structured interviews, the researcher was able understand recent graduates attitudes and perceptions regarding school attendance.…

The report contains real-world, proven school climate strategies to guide policymakers in building a comprehensive and coherent state-wide approach for improving school climate. It features 12 recommendations linked to existing state policy examples policymakers can use to build a comprehensive, coherent state-wide approach for improving school…

This article used the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) data to examine the relationship between exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child behavior problems (externalizing and internalizing), truancy, grade repetition, smoking, drinking, and use of marijuana. Longitudinal data analysis was conducted on 1,816…

Early determinants of college attendance and degree attainment for economically disadvantaged minority youth were examined in the present study. The study sample (n = 1,379) was drawn from the Chicago Longitudinal Study (CLS), an ongoing investigation of a panel of low-income minority children born in 1980, growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods…

Describes the administrative policy developed to deal with student truancy at Harlem South High School in Rockford, Illinois. The policy calls for intensive monitoring of attendance and involves parents as well as school officials. It is said to be successful in reducing truancy rates. (GC)

A SHORT HISTORY OF NARCOTICS AND THEIR LEGAL CONTROL IN THE UNITED STATES IS PRESENTED WITH AN EXPLANATION OF ADDICTION AND METHODS OF ITS PREVENTION. TEACHERS ARE INFORMED OF WAYS IN WHICH TO IDENTIFY ADDICTED STUDENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY MAY BE CLOSELY OBSERVED IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES, AND ABNORMALITIES INVESTIGATED BY A PHYSICIAN.…

As one report in a comprehensive study of Illinois state mandates for elementary and secondary education, this study covers the three major areas in the Illinois compulsory attendance law: students' entrance age, their exit age, and the schools' obligation to enfore truancy regulations. After brief histories of compulsory attendance laws in the…

This report summarizes recent research on factors relating to excessive student absenteeism, the effects of absenteeism on pupil achievement, and the effects of instruction, positive reinforcement, and parent-school involvement on attendance. Actual proposals, policies, and programs from 16 school systems in 12 states are included. Much of the…

This report provides a summary of the results of a survey intended to gather firsthand information concerning truancy and absenteeism in Illinois schools. The report includes data on attendance patterns and policies in various Illinois school districts, legal actions taken by the districts in response to truant behavior, ratings of assistance…

According to the 2000 census, high school dropouts had a 52% employment rate, compared to 71% for high school graduates and 83% for college graduates. According to NCSE, the national dropout rate is 30% of which 80% had been chronically absent from school ("School attendance tracking: Challenges and effective practices"), which puts the…

This is the 14th report of the Illinois School Problems Commission, a continuing legislative commission since 1957. The 14th School Problems Commission began its work at an organizational meeting in October 1975. Public hearings were held in early 1976 to identify crucial problems and issues. During the later half of 1976 and early 1977, four…

This study examined the form and availability of alternative education programs in suburban Cook County, Illinois, public secondary schools. Alternative education was defined as any special program that is directed to specific academic, emotional, and/or work training needs of students. A survey was submitted to school districts to gather…

In 1987, the Illinois State Board of Education committed itself to adopt and expand policies, procedures, and programs addressing the problems of at-risk children and youth. To address issues involving early intervention, early childhood education, minority achievement, urban education, truancy prevention, and alternative education, the board…