1. Mr. Minier soilominier@yahoo.com Saint Spyridon 2013

2. Steps of the Public Policy Analysis (PPA) Define the Problem Gather the Evidence Identify the Causes Examine an Existing Policy Develop Solutions Select the Best Solution

3. Responsibility for attendance rests almost entirely with the leadership of each school. Responsibility for attendance rests almost entirely with the leadership of each school.

4. Collective Evidence One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day. In fact, research has shown that your child's attendance record may be the biggest factor influencing his/her academic success.

5. Collective Evidence 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.

6. Collective Evidence Attendance patterns are formed early in life. Children who develop good attendance habits in the early grades will be more likely to continue them throughout their school career.

7. NOW! I would like for you internet loving students, to find your own evidence of this problem.

8. Causes for poor Attendance lack of school discipline parents working and not being involved peer group pressure Bullying Upbringing poor relationships between teachers and students.

9. Policy now Absence Notes Parents are expected to submit a notes explaining each absence. Notes from a doctor or health-care professional should be provided in cases of extended or frequent absence due to illness. If students have been absent from school for reasons other than illness, documentation of the reason for the absence (for example, exam schedule, court order) should be presented to the school. Attendance Improvement and Dropout Prevention Attendance Improvement Dropout Prevention (AIDP) is a State Education Department effort to improve the attendance and academic performance of students at risk of dropping out. Parents can work with their child's school's AIDP coordinator or guidance counselor to seek help with children who are frequently absent. Attendance Requirement Exceptions The following groups qualify as exceptions to the age requirements for attendance: -Minors who have graduated from high school -Students who have earned a general equivalency diploma (GED) -Students 16 or 17 years of age who have been issued a full-time employment certificate

10. Policy now Parent Notification of Absence Parents are telephoned on the first day of their child's absence. Postcards are sent out on the second day. All contacts are documented and kept on file in the school. School Attendance Responsibilities Teachers are responsible for ensuring that accurate records of attendance are maintained for each student on register. Principals must make these records available to those authorized to review, inspect, or audit. The attendance coordinator is responsible for the overall operation of the school attendance program under the supervision of the principal. Each school has an Attendance Committee comprised of teachers, administrators, members of the pupil personnel team, guidance counselors, and should include parents and students. http://schools.nyc.gov/apps/forms/factfinder/ServiceDet ails.aspx?id=25 http://schools.nyc.gov/apps/forms/factfinder/ServiceDet ails.aspx?id=25

11. Solutions Have a presentation at the beginning of the school year for kids as well as for the parents informing them about the policies and laws on student attendance, bullying/peer pressure, and parent involvement in school career of their child. Have parents sign a contract that will go in the students record for more accountability. Have more Truant Officers. Incentives. http://www.attendanceworks.org/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/2010/05/AW-Incentives-two-pager-1-4- 11.pdf http://www.attendanceworks.org/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/2010/05/AW-Incentives-two-pager-1-4- 11.pdf

12. Informative links http://www.newschool.edu/milano/nycaffairs/docum ents/StrengtheningSchoolsReport.pdf http://www.newschool.edu/milano/nycaffairs/docum ents/StrengtheningSchoolsReport.pdf http://www.attendanceworks.org/what-works/new- york-city/ http://www.attendanceworks.org/what-works/new- york-city/

13. Now I would like for you to come up with your own solutions. We will go over all of them and pick the most reasonable and effective ones and present them to the principal. If the principal picks any and applies it to the schools policy I will take you for lunch to “BBQs”.