When a child begins missing school consistently, families often hear a mix of terms—school avoidance, school refusal, and truancy. These words are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they describe very different realities. Understanding these distinctions is essential, not only for parents, but for schools tasked with responding appropriately.

Georgia’s new attendance law, SB 123, is here, and it’s a major shift. No longer can schools expel students solely for absenteeism. Instead, the law, effective July 1, 2025, mandates a deeper look at the root causes of why students are missing school.

This article explores why SB 123 is a critical opportunity, not a compliance burden. It’s a chance to move from punishment to empathy. But to succeed, schools must address one critical, often-overlooked piece of the puzzle: “school avoidance.” Discover why training staff to recognize and support emotionally-based absenteeism is the key to unlocking the true, positive potential of this new law.

For Texas families of children with disabilities or chronic health needs, frequent school absences are often unavoidable. However, Texas law has strict rules about attendance, including the 90% attendance rule and truancy laws that may impact class credit and graduation. This guide explains those rules in depth and offers practical strategies for staying in compliance, protecting your child’s rights, and building strong partnerships with your child’s school.