Student Attendance Policies and Excused/Unexcused Absences Memo Information Memo Number COM-12-013 Memo Date 9/8/2011 Memo Type Informational Unit Central Administration Regulatory Authority Act 1223 of 2011 Response Required NO Attention Co-op Directors; Elementary Principals; Secondary Principals; Superintendents Primary Contact Information Name Mark White Phone Number (501) 682-4227 Email Mark.White@Arkansas.gov Memo Text Act 1223 of 2011 modified state law regarding student attendance policies. Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, a local school district’s attendance policy must: Define the specific number of absences permitted per semester; Allow a student or the student’s parent or guardian to petition the school or district administration for additional absences. The petition must be made before the student accumulates the maximum number of absences allowed under the policy; and Allow exceptions as necessary to satisfy Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans. Act 1223 does not prohibit students from missing school for medical or dental treatment. If a student's treatment will require excessive absences, the student may petition for additional absences or may request a 504 plan. For the purpose of denial of credit, promotion, or graduation, absences must not be categorized as excused or unexcused. Credit, promotion, or graduation may be denied if a student exceeds the maximum number of absences allowed under the policy, regardless of whether the absences were excused or unexcused. For the purpose of notifying a parent of excessive absences, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-222(a)(4)(A)(i), absences must not be categorized as excused or unexcused. Notice must be given once a student exceeds one-half (1/2) the total number of absences permitted per semester. Notwithstanding the above, a district may distinguish between excused and unexcused absences in its policy for all other purposes. These could include, without limitation, discipline, homework or test makeup, extracurricular participation, etc. Attachments 424_Attendance_Statutes.pdf
Memo Number COM-12-013 Memo Date 9/8/2011 Memo Type Informational Unit Central Administration Regulatory Authority Act 1223 of 2011 Response Required NO Attention Co-op Directors; Elementary Principals; Secondary Principals; Superintendents
Act 1223 of 2011 modified state law regarding student attendance policies. Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, a local school district’s attendance policy must: Define the specific number of absences permitted per semester; Allow a student or the student’s parent or guardian to petition the school or district administration for additional absences. The petition must be made before the student accumulates the maximum number of absences allowed under the policy; and Allow exceptions as necessary to satisfy Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plans. Act 1223 does not prohibit students from missing school for medical or dental treatment. If a student's treatment will require excessive absences, the student may petition for additional absences or may request a 504 plan. For the purpose of denial of credit, promotion, or graduation, absences must not be categorized as excused or unexcused. Credit, promotion, or graduation may be denied if a student exceeds the maximum number of absences allowed under the policy, regardless of whether the absences were excused or unexcused. For the purpose of notifying a parent of excessive absences, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-222(a)(4)(A)(i), absences must not be categorized as excused or unexcused. Notice must be given once a student exceeds one-half (1/2) the total number of absences permitted per semester. Notwithstanding the above, a district may distinguish between excused and unexcused absences in its policy for all other purposes. These could include, without limitation, discipline, homework or test makeup, extracurricular participation, etc.
Arkansas Department of Education