Attendance
(REVISED FOR A–F ACCOUNTABILITY ALIGNMENT)
PURPOSE
The Fayette County School Corporation recognizes that regular school attendance is essential to student academic success and overall well-being.
This policy is designed to:
● Comply with Indiana Code (IC 20-33-2)
● Reduce chronic absenteeism (defined as missing 10% or more of enrolled school days)
● Promote early identification and intervention for attendance concerns
● Support students and families in maintaining consistent school attendance
The Corporation is committed to a proactive, supportive approach that emphasizes prevention and intervention over punitive measures.
EXPECTATION OF ATTENDANCE Students are expected to attend school every day school is in session. Regular attendance provides students with essential instructional time, peer interaction, and access to academic support. Absences will be monitored cumulatively throughout the school year to ensure students remain on track and do not approach thresholds for chronic absenteeism.
DEFINITIONS
Excused Absence Absences for reasons permitted by Indiana law or approved by the Corporation, including but not limited to:
● Illness (parent or physician verified)
● Medical, dental, or legal appointments
● Death in the family
● Religious observances
● Court appearances
● School-sponsored activities
● Approved family circumstances
Per Indiana law, excused absences count toward chronic absenteeism calculations unless otherwise exempted by Indiana law.
Unexcused Absence Any absence not meeting the criteria above or not properly reported within the required timelines.
Exempt Absence
Certain absences authorized by Indiana law may not be counted as absences for state reporting purposes. Exempt absences include, but are not limited to:
● Service as a page or honoree of the Indiana General Assembly pursuant to IC 20-33-2-14.
● Service on a precinct election board, as an election helper, or for a political candidate or political party on Election Day pursuant to IC 20-33-2-15.
● Appearance as a witness in a judicial proceeding pursuant to a subpoena under IC 20-33-2-16.
● Active duty service with the Indiana National Guard for not more than ten (10) days during a school year under IC 20-33-2-17.
● Duty or authorized activities with the Indiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol under IC 20-33-2-17.2.
● Participation in an educationally related nonclassroom activity that is consistent with and promotes educational philosophy and goals under IC 20-33-2-17.5.
● Exhibiting or participating in the Indiana State Fair for educational purposes under IC 20-33-2-17.7.
● Participation in approved FFA, 4-H, or related agricultural educational activities under IC 20-33-2-17.8.
● Religious instruction conducted in accordance with IC 20-33-2-19.
● Any additional absence specifically designated by Indiana law as exempt from compulsory attendance requirements.
Students and families may be required to provide documentation verifying eligibility for an exempt absence as required by law or Corporation procedures. The Corporation shall classify exempt, excused, and unexcused absences in accordance with Indiana Code and Indiana Department of Education attendance reporting guidance.
Chronic Absenteeism
A student is chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of enrolled school days, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. Habitual Truancy Defined as ten (10) or more unexcused absences in a school year, in accordance with IC 20-33-2-11. 4.
ATTENDANCE MONITORING AND INTERVENTION (TIERED SYSTEM)
The Corporation will implement a tiered system of supports to proactively address attendance concerns:
Tier 1: Universal Prevention (0–3 Absences)
● Daily attendance monitoring
● Positive communication with families regarding attendance expectations
● School-wide attendance awareness efforts
Tier 2: Early Warning (4–5 Absences)
● Parent/guardian notification
● Review of attendance patterns
● School staff outreach to identify potential barriers to attendance
Tier 3: Intervention (5 Absences – State Required Threshold) Upon the fifth absence (excused or unexcused):
● Written notification to parent/guardian
● Required attendance at the conference within ten (10) instructional days
● Development of an Attendance Plan The Attendance Plan will:
● Identify barriers to attendance
● Outline supports and interventions
● Define expectations for improved attendance
● Establish a monitoring timeline (not to exceed 45 instructional days)
Tier 4: Chronic Absenteeism Risk (6–9 Absences or Patterns of Concern)
● Ongoing monitoring of the attendance plan
● Assignment of a staff member to monitor progress
● Consideration of additional supports (mentoring, counseling, transportation assistance, etc.)
Tier 5: Chronic Absenteeism (10% Threshold)
● Intensified intervention and administrative review
● Revision of Attendance Plan
● Coordination with internal and external support services as needed
Tier 6: Habitual Truancy (10 Unexcused Absences)
● Required reporting to appropriate authorities in accordance with Indiana law
● Coordination with juvenile court, prosecuting authorities, the Department of Child Services, or other agencies as appropriate
● Continued implementation of intervention strategies 4 -5.
ATTENDANCE CONFERENCE AND PLAN
In accordance with Indiana law, the Corporation will hold an attendance conference within ten (10) instructional days after a student reaches five (5) absences.
Participants shall include
● School representative
● Teacher
● Parent/guardian
● Student (as appropriate)
● Additional support personnel, if applicable
The Attendance Plan may include:
● Wraparound services
● Behavioral expectations
● Referrals to counseling or support services
● Community resource referral
● Monitoring and follow-up procedures
COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILIES
The Corporation will communicate proactively with families at key attendance thresholds. Communication will emphasize:
● The importance of regular attendance
● The impact of absences on student success
● Available supports to assist families
MAKE-UP WORK
Students will be provided the opportunity to make up work for absences in accordance with school guidelines. Timelines for completion will be determined by the teacher.
EQUITY AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Corporation recognizes that certain student populations may face additional barriers to attendance. Additional supports will be provided for students who are:
● Experiencing homelessness
● In foster care
● Pregnant or parenting
● Managing significant medical conditions
● Receiving services under an IEP or Section 504 Plan Attendance interventions will be aligned with applicable plans and legal requirements.
DATA MONITORING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Each school will:
● Monitor attendance data on a regular basis
● Identify students approaching chronic absenteeism thresholds
● Implement timely interventions
● Review attendance data to improve school-wide practices
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW
The Corporation will comply with all requirements of the Indiana Code related to compulsory attendance, reporting, and intervention, including:
● Reporting habitual truancy as required
● Conducting attendance conferences
● Maintaining documentation of attendance plans and interventions
DISCIPLINE LIMITATIONS
Consistent with Indiana law, students shall not be suspended or expelled solely because they are chronically absent, an Absent Student, or habitually truant. Attendance concerns shall be addressed through intervention, support, and legally authorized reporting procedures.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW
The Corporation shall comply with all requirements of Indiana law related to compulsory attendance, attendance intervention, documentation, and reporting. This includes maintaining documentation of attendance conferences, attendance plans, interventions, and required referrals.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY The Fayette County School Corporation believes that improving student attendance requires a partnership between schools, families, and the community. The Corporation is committed to removing barriers, providing support, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend school regularly and succeed.