THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Sept. 9, 2025
Word Count: 348
The most important step in receiving a good education is showing up to class. To be successful, students should study and take notes, but they cannot do either of these things if they are not in class to begin with.
Here in Indiana, we understand the importance of classroom attendance, which is why I was happy to learn chronic absenteeism in our state has again improved for the third consecutive year.
According to recent data, the number of students who are chronically absent throughout the year has decreased to 16.7%, down from 17.8% last year. Not only that, but all grade levels saw improvements in classroom attendance, with the highest being 31.6% in 12th grade.
The General Assembly has worked hard to pass legislation that promotes stronger attendance in schools. Last year, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 282, which requires parents and faculty to have a meeting if a K-6th student has five unexcused absences within a 10-week period.
I also supported Senate Enrolled Act 482 this year aims to improve the data reported to the Indiana Department of Education regarding student absences. Previously, there was no uniform set of absence categories. SEA 482 creates a statewide reporting framework, along with a list of categories for different types of absences so the state has better data to use when making policies regarding chronic absenteeism.
SEA 482 does not change when a student is counted absent, nor does it require schools to change their local attendance policies. It merely serves to gather more uniform data from schools.
While we play a part in ensuring students are getting the education they need, these improvements could not have happened without the support of our parents, teachers and school administrators across the state.
As I look ahead to next session, I will continue to work with lawmakers, teachers, administrators and stakeholders to ensure these chronic absentee numbers continue to improve.
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 calling my office 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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