Regular school attendance is crucial to the development and education of children. There is a large impact on the student, the school and the community when a student does not attend school regularly. Because of this impact, in most states there are laws requiring a child to attend school until he is eighteen.
Early Development
As a child learns to read and acquires basic math skills, it is important that he practice those new skills daily. Regular attendance promotes new learning.
Socialization
Children begin to learn how to socialize with others, follow directions and solve problems creatively while at school. If a child is not part of the classroom, some of these social skills cannot be practiced.
Employment
High school dropouts are two-and-a-half times more likely to be on welfare than high school graduates, according to the California Department of Education. Dropouts are almost twice as likely to be unemployed, according to a U.S. Department of Education 1996 finding.
Impact on other students
When a child is continually absent from school, he falls behind in his classwork and requires extra time and attention from the teacher in order to catch up. This draws the teacher away from other students in the class who may also need assistance.
Impact on the Community
Students who are not in class are more likely to commit crimes, costing the community time and money. Students learn to become good citizens through lessons at school and mentoring by adults.