Trending
"Every minute counts," Heather Dodd, director of pupil services for Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools, told WKYC-TV at the start of the school year. "If your child's late to school, those minutes count. If they have a doctor's appointment, those minutes count. They all count towards chronic absenteeism."
Surprised? Ohio law changed this year, and parents will have to be aware that not only are schools keeping a much closer eye on chronic absenteeism (and doing a better job communicating with parents on the matter), but they are also tracking it in hours -- not just days. That means a student's lack of attendance starts to raise concerns about "chronic absenteeism" after a student has missed 5% of the minimum number of required instructional hours -- approximately 7.5 to 8.5 days depending on the grade level -- no matter the reason for the absences. At that point, schools are required to contact parents to start a conversation.
According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, students need to miss only two to three days per month (again, excused or unexcused, it doesn't matter) to be considered chronically absent (10% of required instructional time missed) by the end of the school year.
At that point, the school district has to work with parents or guardians on next steps.
Sound like a bit much? It's not, when you consider the reason is making sure kids are safe and receiving the education they need.
According to WKYC, Willoughby-Eastlake implemented the policies early, and Dodd said, "We saw really good gains."
That's the goal -- not punishing parents but doing better for them and students who may need more support.