Truancy is a serious problem which demands the attention of teachers and other individuals who work with behaviorally disordered children and youth. Chronic absenteeism precludes the delivery of school-based treatment for maladaptive behavior, and may exacerbate personal and social maladjustment. This paper summarizes definitions of truancy, differentiates between truants and other nonattenders, and provides perspectives on truancy from the point of view of students, administrators, and social service providers. In addition, studies of truancy interventions are reviewed including methodological limitations and research suggestions.
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