by Steve Hanke
Victor Hugo’s 19th-century observation that, “He who opens a school door closes a prison,” rings loud and true today. Education not only combats the figurative prison of ignorance but is also closely linked to reducing incarceration rates. In fact, research shows truancy is a significant predictor of a student’s likelihood of dropping out of school, which in turn increases their risk of future involvement with the criminal-justice system. By the time students reach sixth grade, chronic absenteeism (when students miss 10 percent or more of the school year) is the leading sign that they will not complete high school.
Statistics reveal this stark reality: Last year, the Minnesota Education Department determined more than 1 in 4 students missed at least 10 percent of school days (chronic absenteeism) due to unexcused absences or suspensions. Students who drop out of high school are 3.5 times more likely to be incarcerated than their peers who graduate. In fact, 68% of incarcerated men do not possess a high school diploma. Furthermore, truancy has wide-ranging negative consequences, including poorer academic performance, hindered social and emotional development, lower levels of school engagement, strained peer relationships, and, ultimately, diminished economic opportunities in adulthood.
Truancy is not just an isolated issue; it’s a growing problem that feeds into a cycle of failure. It’s like a snowball rolling downhill that keeps getting bigger and bigger. When children begin skipping school, their grades suffer, which often leads to a decreased desire to attend. The vicious cycle continues, escalating the risk of dropping out entirely.
Minnesota law underscores the importance of regular school attendance, requiring children aged 7 to 18 to attend school. Children aged 16 and 17 cannot drop out independently; they must have parental permission to withdraw. Additionally, children under 7 enrolled in school are also subject to Minnesota’s compulsory attendance laws, which obligate parents to ensure their children’s attendance. Parents who fail to comply may face legal consequences.
Truancy is addressed through a variety of intervention programs. While court action is often a last resort, a range of measures is available to help students improve attendance, including intervention and diversion programs, alternative school, transportation assistance, and restorative justice. When these efforts fail, consequences can include court adjudication, com-munity service, home detention, the suspension or loss of driving privileges, fines for parents, and even out-of-home placement (such as foster care or residential treatment).
As judges, our first approach is typically to work with parents or legal guardians to resolve issues before they escalate to legal action. We understand parents don’t want interference in their family matters, but if a child’s truancy per-sists, it is our legal obligation to intervene to ensure the child’s welfare and future success.
So, how can we best help our kids? Here are some things you can do when your child has multiple absences from school:
- Enforce discipline: Hold your child accountable for attendance. Your child doesn’t need you to be their friend, they need you to be their parent.
- Understand school policies: Learn the attendance rules and expectations of your child’s school.
- Track attendance: Keep a record of absences, late arrivals, and early departures.
- Ensure accuracy: Regularly request a copy of your child’s attendance records to verify accuracy.
- Communicate and collaborate with school staff: Schedule a meeting with teachers or administrators to discuss how to support your child’s regular attendance. Communicate why your child isn’t attending school. • Evaluate special needs: If you suspect your child may benefit from additional support, request an evaluation for special education services.
- Review educational plans: If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, request a team meeting to address necessary adjustments to better support your student’s needs.
- Re-enroll if necessary: If your child has been absent more than 15 days and removed from the school’s attendance roster, visit the school to re-enroll and work on a plan for reintegration.
While court sanctions may seem like the most immediate consequence for truancy, the true impact on children is far more profound. Failure to attend school regularly can lead children into negative behaviors and illegal activities, limiting their future opportunities in life. One of the most powerful ways parents and guardians can support their children is by keeping them engaged in school and reinforcing the importance of regular attendance.
The best investment in a child’s future is ensuring they stay in school, not just to avoid legal consequences but to pave the way for a better, more successful life. Steve Hanke is a 6th Judicial District judge in the Lake County Courthouse in Two Harbors and in the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais. He is the son of two former public school teachers.
Steve Hanke is a 6th Judicial District judge in the Lake County Courthouse in Two Harbors and in the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais.
