Establishes the "Attendance for Success Act" that mandates requirements for attendance policies, and provides for multiple plans, reporting requirements and supports to address student absenteeism from school.
The bill proposes significant amendments to Chapter 16-19 of the General Laws concerning compulsory attendance. Local education agencies (LEAs) will be required to develop and report attendance improvement plans, detailing their strategies for managing student absences. These plans will help schools identify factors contributing to absenteeism and create targeted interventions. Given that the legislation mandates comprehensive reporting and monitoring of attendance data, the bill is expected to impact school funding and resources allocated for student support services to reduce absenteeism rates significantly.
House Bill 8190, known as the Attendance for Success Act, aims to address the issue of chronic absenteeism in Rhode Island public schools. The legislation establishes a framework for schools to implement attendance improvement plans tailored to students’ needs. It sets definitions for varying types of student absences, including chronic and excessive absenteeism, and mandates that school districts identify at-risk students through an early warning system. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide structured interventions to promote regular school attendance across grades K-12.
The discussion around HB 8190 has generally been positive among education advocates and parents, who recognize the need for a proactive approach to attendance issues. Supporters believe that the bill will create a more supportive educational environment for students facing barriers to attendance. However, there have been concerns voiced regarding potential bureaucratic complexities and the feasibility of implementing extensive reporting requirements within smaller school districts, suggesting a mixed sentiment about the practicality of the legislative intent.
A notable point of contention is the legislative requirement for schools to provide interventions before taking punitive actions against students with excessive absences. Critics of this provision worry that while the intent is noble, the execution may fall short due to resource limitations. Additionally, the enforcement mechanisms of the attendance improvement plans will require careful consideration to ensure they are equitable and do not disproportionately affect marginalized students. The balance between supportive measures and disciplinary actions remains a critical aspect of the bill's discussions.