Attendance Matters
NMPED ATTENDANCE FOR SUCCESS
Across the country, more than 8 million students are missing so many days of school that they are academically at risk. Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can translate into third-graders unable to master reading, sixth-graders failing subjects, and ninth-graders dropping out of high school.
[Success Act] Definitions: What is "Absent"?
Absent: Not in attendance for a class or school day for any reason, excused or not.
Chronically Absent/Chronic Absenteeism: Absent 10% or more of classes/days for any reason when enrolled for more than 10 days.
Step 2 Letter:
Goal: To inform you in writing that your child has missed 5% or more days of school.
Step 3 Letter:
Goal: To inform you in writing that your child has missed 10% or more days of school and schedule a meeting with you, the principal, and the school’s attendance team. This meeting will be to discuss methods of preventing future absences and to identify interventions that may ensure that your child will continue to receive an appropriate public education. They will also include Community Resources to provide additional support.
Step 4 Letter:
Goal: To inform you in writing that your child has missed 20% or more days of school and schedule a meeting with you, the principal, and the school’s attendance team. This meeting will be to discuss methods of preventing future absences and to identify interventions that may ensure that your child will continue to receive an appropriate public education. They will also include Community Resources to provide additional support. If we do not hear from you, a meeting time will be scheduled. Failure to attend this meeting will/may require the School District to make a referral to the Juvenile Probation Office.
