DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Dothan City Schools (DCS), in partnership with the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, is addressing concerns about chronic absenteeism, an issue impacting nearly 24% of students in the district this school year.
Research indicates that students missing at least 18 days annually—about two days per month—are seven times more likely to drop out of high school. Additionally, elementary students with chronic absenteeism are at higher risk of reading below grade level by third grade.
According to the DCS Code of Conduct, families are allowed 10 excused absences with parent notes per school year. Beyond that, absences must be documented with a physician’s statement. After three and four unexcused absences, parents receive notifications. By the fifth or sixth unexcused absence, students are referred to the Houston County Truancy Prevention Project or early warning truancy court. Continued unexcused absences may lead to a referral to Houston County Juvenile Court Services, which can result in legal action, including potential arrest and prosecution by the Houston County District Attorney’s Office…