MEDMS Update February 13, 2009

MEDMS Update February 2009

Habitual Truancy Reporting

The Truancy tab for entering habitual truancy is now available in MEDMS/Infinite Campus State Edition. All school administrative units (SAUs) are required to enter 2008-2009 habitual truancy data into the MEDMS/Infinite Campus State Edition Truancy Module which captures data on ALL habitually truant students. For state testing purposes, the truancy reporting deadlines are March 20th for grades 3-8 and May 1st for high school.

The Truancy tab has been added to the Student Information screen. In the menu under the Index tab click on the General option under Student Information to access the Truancy Tab.

Only authorized users who have been assigned to the Truancy user group by their local district administrator will have access to the Truancy tab.

Please note:

Do not use the Habitual Truant Level field in the State Reporting section on the Enrollment tab. This field is being removed from the application and does not have the correct codes in the drop down list and does not collect the Status Date. All Truancy data must be entered using the Truancy tab functionality.

Truancy reporting requires the identification of the:

Truancy – select from the drop down list of truancy status
Status Date – enter the date that the status changed

Enter a new status using the New icon in the Truancy tab when the status changes.

All habitual truancy must be entered using the web screens in the MEDMS/Infinite Campus State Edition or in the Infinite Campus District Edition.

Students who are habitually truant will not be removed from testing lists (MHSA, MEA)

Students may be eligible for a “special consideration” that allows them to be exempt from participation for AYP purposes. In order for this to happen, the truancy procedures must have reached at least level 1C: Official Parent Notification (MRSA 20A 5051A 2C). This is NOT the first letter notifying parents that their student is truant. This is further along in the process when parents are being notified that previous actions have not been effective and DHHS and law enforcement may become involved. In order to be allowed the AYP exemption, your district may be asked to provide documentation that the truancy process has reached this level.

Contacts

For policy questions regarding habitual truancy reporting please contact Shelley Reed at Shelley.Reed@maine.gov or 207-624-6637.

For technical questions regarding the MEDMS/Infinite Campus State Edition Truancy Module please contact the MEDMS helpdesk at MEDMS.helpdesk@maine.gov or 207-624-6896.