Truancy

Compulsory School Age is 6 Years to the 18th Birthday

T.C.A. 49-6–3001 – School Age - (c) (1) Every parent, guardian or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between six (6) years of age and seventeen (17) years of age, both inclusive, shall cause such child or children to attend public or non-public school, and in event of failure to do so, shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided. (The courts have ruled that the word "inclusive" requires a child to attend school until the day before his/her eighteenth birthday.)

T.C.A. 49-6–3007 – Attendance and truancy reports. - (e) (1) It is the duty of the principal or teacher of every public, private or parochial school to report promptly to the superintendent, or to the superintendent’s designated representative, the names of all children who have withdrawn from school, or who have been absent five (5) days (this means an aggregate of five (5) days during the school year and not necessarily five (5) consecutive days) without adequate excuse. Each successive accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences by a student shall also be reported.

T.C.A. 49-6–3009 – Penalty for Violations - (a) Any parent, guardian or other person who has control of a child, or children, and who violates the provisions of this part commits a Class C misdemeanor.

(b) Each day's unlawful absence constitutes a separate offense.

T.C.A. 40-35–111 – Terms of Imprisonment or Fines - (3) Class C misdemeanor, not greater than thirty (30) days or a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), or both, unless otherwise provided by statute.

Attendance Teachers (aka Truancy Officers) play a crucial role in the educational system by assisting schools with the following:

1.  Tracking attendance and investigate cases of chronic absenteeism.

2.  Enforce the compulsory attendance laws.

3.  Collaborate with the schools, local law enforcement, community partners, and the judicial system to address attendance issues and help families understand the importance of being in school.

4.  Support the schools, students, and families to ensure the students receive the education they need.