By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana and the nation have struggled to get students back in the classroom. The rate of chronic absenteeism in the state reached an all-time high during the 2021-2022 school year and remains much higher than the 2019-2020 school year. To address this issue, I authored a law setting the groundwork for future legislation and requiring schools to create a truancy prevention policy.
School corporations and charter schools must now establish a truancy prevention policy that includes instituting prevention measures for students between kindergarten and sixth grade who have five unexcused absences within a ten-week period without a reason under their Individualized Education Program, Individual Service Plan, Indiana Choice Scholarship Education Plan or disability accommodations.
The goal of the prevention measures is to address issues that arise before a child becomes habitually truant, or absent ten or more days from school within a year without an excuse.
The measures also include working together with parents to establish a plan to prevent future absences.
Additionally, the law requires the State Attendance Officer to discuss chronic absenteeism with local attendance officers and come up with legislative recommendations for the General Assembly.
Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue, and it will take parents, schools and teachers working together to solve it.
Completing their education is one of the most critical things students can do to set themselves up for success later in life, and the first step is to make sure they make it to the classroom.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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