FWISD News Alerts

February 10, 2003: FWISD truancy prevention program praised for success

FWISD truancy prevention program praised for success

The Fort Worth Independent School District's innovative truancy program is praised for its success in the December 2002 State Bar of Texas Section Report: Juvenile Law. The program is described as "by far the most successful system implemented" in the wake of Truancy Bills passed during the last legislative session.

The article, by University of Texas law student Robert Greenlaw, notes that the multi-faceted program, the first in Texas, represents a dynamic collaboration among the FWISD, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and social services (Lena Pope Home) and has become a model for others seeking to deter truancy.

The effectiveness of FWISD's truancy program begins with support services for students and parents through a Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program (CTIP); it concludes with legal consequences requiring a student and parent to appear before a municipal court (Student Attendance Court) funded by the school district and dedicated solely to truancy cases.

The FWISD's step-by-step approach was developed by district staff in collaboration with community representatives and school board member Jean McClung, whose vision to make a difference in truancy and drop-out prevention became a catalyst for the program. With support from the school board and superintendent, the program has proven successful in reducing the number of truants referred to the municipal court and in keeping students in school.

· Letters inform all parents about truancy laws and the possible consequences of unexcused absences.

· Parents receive warning letters if a student has been absent without excuse for five days or parts of days and are asked to attend a Monday night meeting, part of the Comprehensive Truancy Intervention Program (CTIP).

· At the Monday night meetings, held weekly at the FWISD Billingsley Fieldhouse, students and parents learn about truancy laws and the consequences of continued absences from Valerie Baston, Tarrant County assistant district attorney. They also meet district and community staff who offer support services and assist in removing barriers that impact school attendance.

· Upon request from school principals, a Student Attendance Review Team (SART), composed of the assistant district attorney, school administrators and interventionists, may meet with a student and parent to discuss the legal and social consequences of truancy. They may also review or prepare a graduation plan to keep students on track to graduation.

· As the final step, charges are filed against the child and/or parent with a requirement to appear before the School Attendance Court, located adjacent to Eastern Hills High School. Municipal Judge Sharon Newman-Stanfield, who serves as the presiding judge, may levy a $500 fine, community service, counseling or other legal options to resolve the case and clarify the law on school attendance. In contrast to the truancy process in many other cities, the municipal Student Attendance Court, by dealing only with truancy cases, allows these cases to be resolved quickly with the benefit of a judge who offers continuity and consistency in her decisions. The court opened in April 2001.

Last school year (2001-02), 12,200 students with five unexcused absences were referred to the Monday night meetings (CTIP). Of those, 1,850 - about 6.5 percent - went before the Student Attendance Court. The student attendance rate rose by 1.8 percent in high schools, 1 percent in middle schools and .6 percent in elementary schools over the previous year.
For more information about FWISD's truancy program, contact Delena Doyle, coordinator, attendance control, at 817/871-3192.

This information provided by
FORT WORTH ISD - Office of Communications
100 North University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76107-1360
817-871-2455

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