Truancy and Academic Assist Group (TAAG)
The Truancy and Academic Assist Group (TAAG) is a reinforcement program designed to emphasize the importance of attending school while promoting academic success and positive character traits. TAAG provides an intervention for struggling students and fosters a sense of belonging for children who may not feel that they are an integral part of the school community. Each student in the TAAG program meets weekly with a court judge to discuss teacher reports, attendance, and behavior. Together they come up with strategies to ensure the student’s success in school, with character traits such as perseverance, respect, goal setting, and responsibility emphasized. While individual students meet with the judge, other TAAG members are involved in a group meeting facilitated by the counselor. The focal points of the topics concern success in school and often intersect with character education. In addition, the group makes decisions regarding the TAAG service learning project. Each meeting also includes a school resource officer, a teacher liaison, and the judge’s bailiff. To conclude the school year, TAAG tours the county jail and the judge’s courtroom. Also at this time, the judge invites community members from various occupations to discuss career choices and the education requirements for students.