The purpose of this notice is to inform you about a significant change in Iowa's education law that directly affects our students and families. The 2024 Iowa Legislature passed Senate File 2435, a new attendance law addressing chronic absenteeism. These changes define the tiers of chronic absenteeism and the district’s requirements for addressing these cases. It's crucial that all parents and guardians understand its implications.
New Attendance Law Overview
Important Definitions from Senate File 2435
To help you better understand the new law, here are key definitions as outlined in SF 2435:
Chronic Absenteeism: The absence of a student from school for ten percent or more of the days that school is in session during a school year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences.
Truancy: The failure of a child to attend school for at least 142 days per school year without reasonable excuse for the absence (142 = 80% of 178 school days).
Grading Period: A period of time during a school year that is designated by a school district or accredited nonpublic school as a grading period. At Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD, the grading periods are Semesters.
New attendance Tiers:
Tier 1
The student has been absent for 10% of instructional time. (9 days first semester, 9 days second semester)
Chronic absenteeism initial threshold met.
The district will mail a certified letter to parents.
The district will send a letter to the county attorney.
Tier 2
The student has been absent 15% of instructional time. (13.5 days first semester, 13.5 days second semester)
Law requires students and parents/guardians attend a school engagement meeting with school officials at which an absenteeism plan is developed.
Tier 3
The student has been absent 20% of instructional time. (18 days first semester, 18 days second semester)
The student is considered truant.
The county attorney determines any legal ramifications.
How Absences are calculated
When a student is absent for 120 minutes per day, but less than 240 minutes per day, they will be considered absent for half a day.
When a student is absent for 240 or more minutes per day, they will be considered absent for an entire day.
Impact of Attendance on Student Achievement
Regular school attendance is crucial for student success. Research consistently shows that:
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level and meet academic standards.
Consistent presence allows for continuous learning and skill-building.
Chronic absenteeism in early grades can leave students unable to read proficiently by third grade, a key predictor of high school dropout rates.
Students with high attendance rates are more likely to graduate from high school and have better chances of college and career success.
Consistent attendance in K-12 is linked to better life outcomes overall.
Even missing just two days a month can add up to a significant amount of lost instructional time over the school year.
Our Commitment and Your Role
Our goal is to support every student's success. Part of a student’s success is attendance at school. We need your partnership in this effort. Here's how you can help:
Ensure your child attends school every day unless they are truly sick.
Schedule appointments and travel during non-school hours when possible.
Talk to your child about the importance of school attendance.
Reach out to us if you're facing difficulties getting your child to school. We're here to help!
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their education.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your child's school or the district office.