Every Day Counts: Understanding Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
Every Day Counts: Understanding Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy
Dear Lewis County Schools Families,
Every day at school gives students opportunities to learn, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Two attendance terms are often confused: chronic absenteeism and truancy. There is a difference!
Chronic absenteeism means missing 10% or more of the school days a student has been enrolled, for any reason. Both excused and unexcused absences count.
Truancy refers to unexcused absences only. In Tennessee, students who accumulate 5 unexcused absences during the school year are considered truant and are subject to the district’s attendance intervention process. These absences do not have to be consecutive.
Just 2 days a month adds up!
Missing 2 days each month over 9 months adds up to 18 days—10% of a 180-day school year. However, a student does not have to reach 18 absences to be chronically absent. The calculation is based on school days enrolled so far.
For example, we have been in school about 50 days so far. 5 missed days out of 50 school days is 10%, meeting the chronic absenteeism threshold—even if every absence is excused. If all 5 are excused, the student is not truant. If all 5 are unexcused, the student meets the criteria for both.
How can missed days affect learning?
Lessons build on one another. Frequent absences mean missing instruction, practice, and classroom discussions that worksheets alone cannot replace. These gaps can make reading and math more difficult, make catching up overwhelming, and affect connections with classmates and teachers.
What will schools do to support attendance?
- Letters about last year: Families of students who were chronically absent in 2025–26 will receive a letter with suggestions to help prevent chronic absenteeism this year.
- Letters and calls this year: Families of students who reach this year’s chronic absenteeism threshold will receive a letter requesting a call to the school. Additional absences will prompt a follow-up call from the school to discuss challenges and offer help.
- Attendance recognition: Each school has a reward program recognizing students who have perfect attendance.
How can parents/guardians help?
- Keep track of absences and submit required documentation promptly
- Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible. If transportation, health concerns, or other circumstances are affecting your child’s attendance, please contact your school so we can work together.
We understand that illness, emergencies, and other challenges happen. Please follow school health guidance when your child is sick.
Our goal is to partner with families and help students succeed. If your family is facing challenges that affect attendance, please contact your child’s school—we want to help!