School Resources

California compulsory education law requires everyone between six and eighteen years of age to attend school. If, by the age of sixteen, a child has either graduated from high school or passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) and obtained parental permission to leave school, they are not required to attend by law.

Some students, however, violate compulsory education laws and show a pattern of unexcused absences.  Historically truancy and excessive absenteeism result in costly short and long-term problems for the students, school, and the community.

SCOE has developed a handbook to assist local SARBs in identifying and handling attendance problems promptly. The handbook explains the steps as well as providing sample letters and forms to be printed on your district's letterhead. For your convenience we have included the Handbooks, Forms, and Sample Letters, as well as print-friendly County & State handbooks within our website.