Right now, more and more students across the country are engaging in school avoidance. School-avoidant behavior is when a student refuses to go to school or has difficulty being in school all day.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, eight million students were considered chronically absent, according to Attendance Works. That’s when a student misses 10 percent or more of the school year. By spring 2022, that number doubled to 16 million.
Students struggling with school avoidance are at an increased risk of falling behind in classes, scoring lower on standardized tests, and even dropping out of school. These students are also more likely to live in poverty, be children of color, or have disabilities.
Students with disabilities can address school-avoidant behavior by requesting a 504 Plan and/or an Individualized Education Plan. But sometimes, students and families can struggle to get the support they need from their school districts.
The skilled attorneys at Kennedy Hunt P.C. are experts in education and disability law. If you or someone you know experiences school-avoidant behavior, we may be able to help. Fill out a questionnaire so we can understand your claim.