Wisconsin Senate Bill SB969

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prohibiting grade promotion on the basis of absences from school. (FE)

Impact

The bill represents a significant shift in educational policy, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance as a prerequisite for academic success. By enforcing a more rigid attendance standard, supporters of SB969 argue that this will help to improve educational outcomes by ensuring that students are present and engaged with their educational process. However, schools will have to navigate how to implement these rules, including managing various reasons for absences that currently fall under excused categories as defined by existing laws. The legislation also requires careful communication with students and parents to ensure that individuals understand the requirements for grade promotion.

Summary

Senate Bill 969 seeks to establish a new standard for grade promotion within Wisconsin's educational system by regulating how student absences affect eligibility for advancement to the next grade. Set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, the bill stipulates that students may not be promoted if they have missed more than 30 full days of school. Current state laws allow for more flexible policies concerning student absences, but this legislation aims to create a more stringent criterion to ensure consistent attendance before grade advancement. Under this new policy framework, each school board, as well as private and charter schools operating under specific state programs, will need to adopt these new written policies by July 1, 2025.

Contention

While SB969 aims to promote responsibility and regular attendance among students, the legislation may face criticism and concern from educators, parents, and advocacy groups regarding its potential to negatively affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Critics may argue that unforeseen circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies, could disproportionately impact certain students' attendance records, leading to unnecessary penalties in grade promotions. The bill's potential rigidness may inadvertently affect students who need additional support rather than strict restrictions on their advancement based on attendance alone.