There is no shortage of voices calling for more strident action to combat ‘truancy’ in our schools. Levels of attendance are probably as good as they have ever been, but a small percentage of children, and their parents, continue to opt out, as they have always done.
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There is no shortage of voices calling for more strident action to combat ‘truancy’ in our schools. Levels of attendance are probably as good as they have ever been, but a small percentage of children, and their parents, continue to opt out, as they have always done.
In this radical and innovative book, Ben Whitney suggests that we urgently need some new ideas, not more of what has already failed. Based on over 20 years’ personal experience of dealing with the issues at the frontline, this is a thought-provoking series of reflections that challenge many of our current assumptions.
From questioning conventional wisdom about what ’truancy’ is, through to identifying the unreliability of the data and the ineffectiveness of punitive responses, he issues a challenge to politicians, schools and local authorities to think again. The truancy myth is no longer sustainable if we actually want to make a difference.
For more information: Ben Whitney
Reviews
"I've just read your book, 'the Truancy Myth' and I wanted to write to you to tell you how excellent I found your book to be. It really resonated for me. I struggled to make sense of the expectations placed upon us during the 'National Strategies' years, and I long ago gave up on any expectations that punitive approaches (sometimes repeated) would do anything to get to the real route of why a child and family remain so disaffected.
I'm especially concerned (as are many) by the target culture and the impact for vulnerable pupils who schools no longer consider as viable - especially when those of us still left in LA Education Welfare are to 'champion vulnerable pupils' against a backdrop of greater autonomy for Head teachers, expanded Academy programme and the advent of 'Free Schools'. Again, so much of the views expressed in your book made such profound sense to me, especially in a climate where we are not enabled to express such ideals in the workplace for fear of being branded as collusive and not committed to driving up standards (linked to constant analysis of data!).
I could go on and on! But I really wanted to thank you for writing such an excellent piece of work that should be read - and considered - very broadly if we are ever to bring about real change. Kindest regards: Name witheld
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