News Item
Truants trumped by text solution
Greg Stolz, The Courier-Mail
06 JULY 05
IT'S the communication tool of choice for most teens - SMS messaging. But in a new-age solution to an age-old problem, teachers are harnessing the technology to turn the tables on truants.
In a trial designed to combat increased absenteeism, several Queensland high schools are sending SMS messages to the parents of absent students to advise that their teenagers are not where they should be.
While wayward teenagers might be cursing the text message-tracking system, educators and parents are raving about its success.
"It's working an absolute treat," said John Fitzgerald, principal of Mitchelton State High which is trialling the system. "Unauthorised or unexplained absences at the school have dropped by about 60 per cent. In some parts of the student population, such as among our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, attendance has increased by up to 200 per cent.
"It's one of the greatest changes in school culture that I've seen in 26 years of education."
Mitchelton High was the first Queensland school to trial the anti-truancy messaging system which was developed by sharemarket-listed Adelaide company MGM Wireless and introduced in South Australian schools last year. Other companies have launched similar systems which are being trialled in Queensland schools including Elanora High on the Gold Coast.
Elanora deputy principal Gary Dawes said SMS messaging had only been in place for a few weeks but was already proving effective in the battle against truancy and unexplained absenteeism.
Mr Dawes said that, with up to 10 per cent of the school's 1200 students away on any given day, managing absenteeism was a constant challenge.
"The SMS system allows us to really keep tabs on the students and make sure they are where they should be and are safe," Mr Dawes said.
"We can inform parents promptly if their children aren't at school and they can advise immediately by SMS reply or phone if there is a legitimate reason."
Mr Dawes said the SMS system also helped eliminate roll-call mix-ups and the problem of parents forgetting to send in sick notes for their children - or students forgetting to hand them in.
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