Truancy, or the act of missing school without a valid excuse, can have detrimental effects on a student's academic and social development. In fact, research has shown that students who are chronically absent are more likely to perform poorly in school and drop out altogether.

To combat truancy, schools can adopt an MTSS approach that includes three tiers of intervention. Let's explore each of these tiers in more detail.

In Tier I, schools can implement universal strategies that are designed to promote attendance for all students. These strategies include things like providing incentives for good attendance, using positive reinforcement to encourage attendance, and developing a school-wide attendance policy that clearly communicates expectations and consequences for truancy.

In Tier II, schools can provide targeted interventions for students who are at risk of becoming truant. These interventions could include things like early warning systems that identify students who are at risk of becoming truant, providing additional support and resources to students and families, and offering counseling and mentoring services to help students overcome the challenges that may be contributing to their truancy.

Finally, in Tier III, schools can provide intensive interventions for students who are chronically absent. These interventions include things like connecting students and families with community resources, providing intensive counseling and support services, and developing personalized plans to help students overcome the challenges that are contributing to their truancy.

By adopting an MTSS approach that includes universal strategies, targeted interventions, and intensive interventions, schools can effectively address truancy and promote a culture of attendance and academic success.