Story Behind the Curve
In Harford County, the high school absence rate (percent of youth absent 20 or more days of school) was on the rise since 2007 and had begun to turn the curve in 2010. The percent of those with absences totaling 20 or more days reduced slightly between 2013 and 2014 from 15.3% to 14.8% for high school students, rose slightly from 7.8% to 9% for middle school students, and remained at 5% for elementary school students. In recent years, the math and reading performance has begun to increase performing above the state average in both 3rd grade math and reading. This year, scores dropped slightly with 86.4% of youth performing advanced or proficient in math and 84.7% doing so in reading (Maryland Report Card, 2014) but scores remain above State average. Although overall student academic performance has improved significantly in HCPS since the inception of the annual assessment of student proficiency in reading and mathematics, subgroups of students with special needs (special education and students receiving Free and Reduce Meals) continue to require extra academic and social/emotional supports.
Strategies to improve these indicators
Local Access Mechanism
CINS Prevention
CINS Diversion
Teen Court
Why Is This Important?
Children’s success in school is a key factor in healthy development. Absenteeism and truancy indicate a loss of opportunities to learn and have negative long-term consequences. High levels of school absence are associated with higher risk of school failure, dropping out of school, delinquent behavior, substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors that adversely impact the individual as well as the community as a whole.
Data Discussion
Measures
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Trend
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