What should be the standard of attendance required of students who must attend school?

Increase in Failures Lack of Classroom Time Excessive Absences

Law (3210(1)(a), (2)(b). Students of compulsory education age (19:1) must attend school regularly, as prescribed by the school board where the student resides or is employee, for the entire time the appropriate public schools or classes are in session. Absences are permitted only as allowed by general rules and procedures of public schools. (3210(1)(a), (2)(b). School Law 33 rd edition

NYS COMPREHENSIVE ATTENDANCE POLICY Section 104.1(i) of Commissioner’s Regulations CAP

NYC BOE POLICY Student Attendance Policy Attendance is required for public school students. Minor ages 6-17 in New York City are required to attend school on a full time basis. 90% attendance is one of the requirements for promotion to the next grade.

METHODOLOGY Students should want to come to school, and they are more likely to become engaged when: 1)They have positive relationships with school personnel 2) Welcoming school climates exist 3) School-based supports and resources are available 4) They feel safe because issues of bullying and

SUCCESS DEPENDS ON: Research shows that the three building blocks for school success are : Attendance Attachment Achievement Student Advocacy is a non-profit educational advocacy organization that helps children get on track to school success.

KEY FACTORS SURROUNDING ATTENDANCE School factors include: School safety issues (e.g., bullying) School climate issues. Flexibility in meeting the diverse learning styles of students. Failure to successfully notify families about each absence. Lack of consistency and uniformity to attendance and attendance policy within schools and districts.

Continued…. Student variables include: Academic problems and learning difficulties Limited social and emotional competence/behavior problems Poor physical health/chronic medical issues Serious social or emotional issues Lack of understanding of attendance laws Substance use

IMPLEMENTATION NYS DOE: Implementation of CAP SCHOOL BOARD: Incorporate POLICY ADMINISTRATION TEACHERS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS (CPS) PARENTS

STRATEGIES Attendance policies and practices that effectively deal with chronic attendance issues: 1. Education of parents regarding school attendance requirements; 2. Effective policies and practices to monitor attendance; 3. Clear definition of excessive absenteeism and a two-stage response to excessive absences; 4. Schools need to investigate underlying problems and respond with changes in school services or linkages to community services; and 5. Seek additional help is sought through Child Protective Services or Probation.

REFERENCES Gottfried, Micheal. (2010) Evaluating the Relationship Between Attendance and Achievemant in Urban Elementary Schools and Middle Schools. American Educational Journal, 47, Kube, & Ratigan. (1992). Does your school have a clue? Putting your attendance policy to the test. The Clearing House, 65, Lamdin, D. J. (1996). Evidence of student attendance as an independent variable in education production functions. The Journal of Educational Research, 89, Borland, M.V. & Howsen, R.M. (1998). Effect of student attendance on student performance: A comment on Lamdin. The Journal of Educational Research, 91,