Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Attendance Chronic Absence topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Substitute to HB 3909 would require study and standardized reporting template on chronic absenteeism
Summary
A substitute for HB 3909 changes an initial bill that could have expanded the definition of habitual truancy; the substitute directs the state board to study chronic absenteeism, create a standardized reporting template for LEAs and publish absenteeism data.
Deputy Superintendent Elise Newey briefed the board on a substitute to H.B. 3909, which shifted the bill from a potentially expansive truancy definition toward a statutory requirement to study chronic absenteeism and develop standardized reporting.
Newey said staff analysis raised a concern that the original language could have classified students as habitually truant after very few missed periods because the bill might have counted each missed class period as a separate truancy. The substitute instead directs the Utah State Board of Education to develop a reporting template for LEAs, publish chronic-absence rates on the board’s website and undertake a study of root causes.
Board members questioned whether the new study duplicates ongoing audits and research. Member Ballinger noted several existing studies and local concerns that further study may be redundant. Member Lair and others said the board is already doing an attendance audit and suggested the sponsor be advised of the audit schedule to avoid duplication.
No formal board position was taken during the meeting; staff said they will coordinate with the sponsor about the existing audit work and provide background material that documents work already underway.
