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HomeEducation CodeDiv. 4Pt. 27Ch. 2Art. 5§ 48262 Habitual Truant Definition

§ 48262 Habitual Truant Definition

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 48262 Habitual Truant Definition

Key Takeaways

  • •If a student skips school without a good reason 3 or more times in a year, they can be called an 'habitual truant'.
  • •Before calling a student an 'habitual truant', the school must try to talk to the student and their parents at least once.
  • •The school must try to contact the parents in the cheapest way possible, like a phone call or email.

Example

A student named Alex has skipped school 3 times this year. The school calls Alex's mom to set up a meeting.

The school must try to talk to Alex and his mom before they can call Alex an 'habitual truant'. If they don't try to talk to them, they can't call Alex that.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 48262 Habitual Truant Definition

Any pupil is deemed an habitual truant who has been reported as a truant three or more times per school year, provided that no pupil shall be deemed an habitual truant unless an appropriate district officer or employee has made a conscientious effort to hold at least one conference with a parent or guardian of the pupil and the pupil himself, after the filing of either of the reports required by Section 48260 or Section 48261. For purposes of this section, a conscientious effort means attempting to communicate with the parents of the pupil at least once using the most cost-effective method possible, which may include electronic mail or a telephone call. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 724, Sec. 22. (AB 1610) Effective October 19, 2010.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

studenthabitual truantportemployeeschooleffective octoberconference

Related Statutes

  • § 46170 Continuation School Attendance Limits
  • § 48264.5 Truancy Intervention And Consequences
  • § 48273 School Attendance Referral Reporting
  • § 48204.2 Pupil Residency Investigation Policy
  • § 48267 Probation School Attendance Violations

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 48262.
View Official Source