The Becca Bill W.E.R.A. Conference Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 Dr. Dale Alan McDaniel Washington State University and the Onalaska School District W.E.R.A. Conference Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 Dr. Dale Alan McDaniel Washington State University and the Onalaska School District

The Becca Bill Introduction and A Story

Significance of the Becca Bill Implications

The Becca Bill Which judicial programs have the greatest impact on changing student attendance patterns? The Essential Questions

Becca Bill What type of relationship exists between courts, schools and families that best creates a successful environment for students?

Becca Bill What does a good program look like to an ‘at-risk’ student that wants to come back to school?

Becca Bill How do we design attendance programs that successfully return truant students to school?

Evolution of the Law At-Risk Youth Petitions Street Kids Children In Need of Services (C.H.I.N.S.) Parents’ Coalition The Becca Bill Social Workers and Legislative Pressure Old Truancy Law High Juvenile Crime Rate Poor Data Collection by Public Schools

Policy Formation- Egon Guba Policy of Idea (Intention) Policy of Idea (Intention) Policy of Action Policy of Experience

Recruiting Interviewees District/County Partnerships suggested by:  Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration  Washington Association of School Administrators  Washington State School Directors’ Association District/County Partnerships suggested by:  Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration  Washington Association of School Administrators  Washington State School Directors’ Association

Selection Criteria  School Size  Number of Filings  Geographic Location  Administrative Approval  School Size  Number of Filings  Geographic Location  Administrative Approval

Data Collection 29 Total Interviews- 84 Unduplicated Subjects  School Administrators  Legislators  Juvenile Court Employees  Parents  Students 29 Total Interviews- 84 Unduplicated Subjects  School Administrators  Legislators  Juvenile Court Employees  Parents  Students

Recruiting Partnerships Partnerships Chosen:  Kelso S.D./ Cowlitz County  Vancouver S.D./Clark County  North Thurston S.D./ Thurston County Partnerships Chosen:  Kelso S.D./ Cowlitz County  Vancouver S.D./Clark County  North Thurston S.D./ Thurston County

Best Practices Where Truancy prevention was collaborative 2.Schools took the first step with parents. 3.Early intervention programs were available 4.Truancy boards existed, with authority 5.The possibility of detention existed. Where Truancy prevention was collaborative 2.Schools took the first step with parents. 3.Early intervention programs were available 4.Truancy boards existed, with authority 5.The possibility of detention existed.

Why Students Skip School (And How Becca Helps)  Frustration  Boredom  Being Bullied  Not known by teachers  Perceived failure (credits)  Organizational Problems  Frustration  Boredom  Being Bullied  Not known by teachers  Perceived failure (credits)  Organizational Problems

Conclusions Becca has become institutionalized It still has funding problems It is perceived to be working It needs new people trained Flexibility matters!