Language Use

Why “School Attendance Challenges”?

Using the term “school attendance challenges” is helpful because it shifts the focus from blame to understanding. It makes room for the real complexity of what many students are facing, especially those from diverse backgrounds with unique learning, health, or life circumstances.

Terms such as truancy, unexcused absences, or unauthorized absences, and school avoidance and refusal suggest that the problem lies with the student or family.

“School attendance challenges” is an umbrella term for the diverse and complex needs and challenges of students, as well as the barriers to education and learning they experience in accessing and managing school. It centers access to education rather than just showing up and being a “bum on a seat.”

Under the umbrella term of “school attendance challenges” exist many variations used internationally, including emotionally based school avoidance, school anxiety and phobia, school attendance problems and difficulties, school distress, and barriers to education.

Readiness to learn is the barometer of effective education. Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we focus on the conditions students need—safety, belonging, and well-being—before meaningful learning can take place.