School Attendance Review Board (S.A.R.B.)
The School Attendance Review Board (SARB) is a method that leverages school and community resources to support students in enhancing their attendance and addressing truancy-related concerns. Truancy is a multifaceted problem that impacts not only the student but also their family, the school, and the wider community.
Background
In California, the compulsory education law requires individuals aged six to eighteen to attend school, with exceptions for high school graduates, those who have passed the California High School Proficiency Exam, and students with parental consent. Despite this, some students continuously skip school without valid reasons, leading to truancy and chronic absenteeism. Persistent truancy and chronic absenteeism pose significant and enduring challenges for students, schools, and the community.
In 1974, the California Legislature introduced California Education Code (EC) Section 48320 to strengthen the enforcement of compulsory education laws and to offer support to students facing school attendance or behavior barriers before involving the juvenile justice system. EC Section 48321 outlines various structures for School Attendance Review Boards (SARBs) at local and county levels, aiming to support students dealing with persistent attendance or behavior challenges. While SARBs primarily focus on keeping students engaged in education, they do have the authority, if needed, to refer students and their parents or guardians to court.
The S.A.R.B. Process
The SARB panels are organized, and hearings are conducted by District SARB Chairpersons. The panel members include representatives from various agencies like school and District support staff, the District/City Attorney, law enforcement, Los Angeles County Departments of Probation, Children and Family Services (DCFS), Public Social Services (DPSS), and Mental Health. Health care providers, community counseling agencies, and parents collaborate and combine their expertise and resources to support students and families as outlined in E.C. 48321.
The panel works collaboratively to assess the problem and recommend alternative solutions to alleviate circumstances that contribute specifically to truancy, attendance, and/or behavior problems. These suggestions are documented in a legally binding SARB contract. Failure to adhere to these recommendations by the family, resulting in ongoing irregular attendance by the student(s), could lead to the case being referred to the City or District Attorney's office, under Education Code Sections 48263 (a)(b)(2) and 48263.5.
Resources
The Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) adopts a comprehensive strategy to assist students and their families as a unit. The primary objective of SARB is to reintegrate students into regular attendance, help them achieve their academic potential, and ultimately graduate.
- Facilitates connections and referrals between families and community agencies that provide counseling, tutoring, and other services
- Coordinates school and district resources
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- Makes recommendations for student placements
- Reinforces parents' legal obligation to ensure students' daily school attendance, as stated in the California Education Code
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