Across the country, 5 to 7.5 million students are chronically absent each year. Students who are chronically absent are less likely to succeed academically and more likely to drop out of school. Chronic absenteeism impacts students who benefit from school the most, especially students who are low-income, students of color, homeless children, students with disabilities, students who are highly mobile, and/or juvenile justice-involved youth. It only takes one-to-two absences per month for a student to be considered chronically absent.

The Truancy Prevention Outreach Program (TPOP) offers an early warning system to identify at-risk students and provide individualized support for such students and families. In conjunction with youth, families, CCSD and community partners, TPOP works to eliminate chronic absenteeism by focusing on underlying youth and family need. TPOP provides intensive in-home, in-school and community-based services that helps to ensure youth and families receive needed supports through a targeted case management approach. TPOP staff develops a coordinated plan of action intended to engage and re-engage youth and families, develop a resource map of existing services, and collaborate with CCSD personnel. Interventions are structured within a case management model, where families, program staff and school personnel can work with students on a range of issues to address the root causes of their absences. Family engagement and community partners are vital in assisting youth to reach their goals.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Education is the key to eliminating gender inequality, to reducing poverty, to creating a sustainable planet, to preventing needless deaths and illness, and to fostering peace. And in a knowledge economy, education is the new currency by which nations maintain economic competitiveness and global prosperity. Education is an investment, and one of the most critical investments we can make.” -  Nelson Mandela