Escondido Union School District Honored By California Department Of Education

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The Escondido Union School District was one of more than two dozen statewide honored by the California Department of Education Today for programs that reduce suspensions, expulsions and chronic absenteeism.

The 27 districts were recognized as Model School Attendance Review Boards, which use a three-tiered approach to keep students in school.

The first tier rewards improved attendance and creates an engaging school climate with low suspension rates. The second identifies attendance problems early and provides personalized outreach to students and parents. The third refers the most persistent attendance or behavior problems to a SARB and combines resources to solve the underlying attendance problems.

"Students need to be in school to learn,'' said Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction. "The terrific work of the review boards is a testament to the collaboration between the school, parents and community so that all students have the opportunity to succeed on their way to 21st century careers and college.''

He said poor attendance increases the likelihood that certain groups of students will drop out, including children living in poverty, African Americans, Native Americans and foster youth. Chronic absenteeism and truancy also costs school districts millions of dollars each year, since funding is tied to attendance.

The Model SARB awards will be presented at the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance State Conference on April 19 in Tahoe City. The Escondido district is the only one in San Diego County to be honored.

By City News Service / Image via YouTube