Abstract:
The problem. Schools are constantly struggling
with student truancy problems. Arriving at a practical and workable definition for the term truancy and analyzing the factors which are related to truant behavior are the problems viewed by this study.
Procedure. All of the secondary public school
administrators from the Central Iowa Conference Schools were sent questionnaires which dealt with the truancy problems in their schools.
Findings. The definition of "truancy" which was
found to be the most practical and useful was, "Any absence without the consent of the parent or the school." The findings also revealed that as the percentage of truants increased the demands on administrative time also increased. There was no relationship between the variables of percentage
of truants and the number of methods which were being used in dealing with truants. The most effective method used in dealing with truants was that of administrative and parental conferences.
Conclusions. The biggest factor in helping students with their truancy related problems was through communication between the parents and the administration.
Recommendations. Research in the area of examining
alternative methods which could be used in dealing with truant behavior is vitally needed. Further study should be done considering the perceptions and the views of parents and students who are familiar with truancy related problems.
