Truancy

Read the following text and then answer the questions according to the reading.

Truancy

Truancy is a bug problem in many schools in the USA. It is when stundents skip school without an excuse, and often without their parents knowledge. Truancy has a serious effect on students' education and future.

Facts and figures

• Approximately 3,500 students in Pittsburgh are absent each day, and about seventy percent of these absences are unexcused.
• There are approximately 4,000 unexcused absences every day in Milwaukee.
• An average of 62,000 students are absent each day across the Los Angeles Unified School District. Only half return to school with written excuses.

The effects of truancy are enormous. When students do not go to school it can often lead to:

• Decreased learning abillity. Students do not get the knowledge they need to pass exams.
• Involvement in crime, such as vandalism.
• Involvement in gangs.
•  Failing classes.
• Risk of not obtaining a higher education.
• A need for extra classes or help to catch up.

It is essential that students go to school. There may be a reason why a child is playing truant. Maybe he or she is being bullied or discriminated against? Schools and parents need to be aware of any problems and provide support when necessary. 

Questions:

1.- What do you consider to be the most serious effect of truancy?

2.-What conclusions does the report make?

3.- Do you think this is a common problem in your school? Why/ why not?