WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) – Public school students who are chronically absent face the possibility of appearing before a judge under an increasingly strict district policy intended to improve attendance.

Worcester schools are taking speedier action to deal with truant students, beginning with phone calls to parents, followed by letters and, if nothing improves, a court affidavit. In extreme cases involving family problems, a Juvenile Court judge could eventually remove a student from the home.

School Safety Liaison Robert F. Pezzella said that he expects the current school year’s tally of court applications will surpass last year’s 307. The districtwide attendance rate has risen slightly this term.

, with the largest gains at the high and middle schools.

Although Worcester’s schools already meet the state’s attendance target, officials say the truancy policy is a tool for improving student performance.

“Attendance isn’t a problem, it’s a symptom,” said Superintendent James A. Caradonio.

The vast majority of parents respond appropriately when they learn their children are repeatedly missing school, educators and Juvenile Court administrators say.

But in a small minority of the cases, the problem is more serious. While some students who miss class don’t have reasonable excuses, many are absent because of colds, illnesses, or family problems.

“It generally is not the case that a child is just being stubborn,” Juvenile Court Judge Carol A. Erskine said.