Policy 5.0901

Regular School Attendance

1. Regular Attendance Is Mandatory.-- Pursuant to Fla. Stat. §§ 1003.01, 1003.21, 1003.23, and 1003.24, all students who are subject to compulsory attendance shall be required to attend school regularly, as defined in paragraph (1)(b)(i) herein.

   1. Aside from any exemptions recognized under Fla. Stat. Chapter 1003, the only permissible exception to mandatory regular attendance shall be an excused absence as defined in School Board Policy 5.09.

   2. Definitions

      1. "Regularly" or "regular attendance" means attending school every school day, including every class period, for the entire class period, of each course or class in which a student is enrolled (or the equivalent of such class periods in schools with block scheduling).

      2. A "school day" for a given student, is that portion of the day in which school is actually in session for the group of pupils of which the student is a part. Students may not be counted in attendance while away from the school on a school day unless they are engaged in an educational activity which constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program.

      3. "Subject to compulsory attendance" refers to minors who have attained at least the age of six years (or who will have attained the age of six by February 1 of that school year), who are required by law to attend school regularly unless an exemption or exception is applicable under Fla. Stat. Chapter 1003.

2. Academic Performance Does Not Excuse Absences.-- Attendance and academic performance shall be reported separately on student report cards, as required by Fla. Stat. § 1003.33.

   1. Pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 1003.33(2), schools shall not allow students to be exempted from any academic performance requirements based on practices designed to encourage student attendance. A student's attendance record may not be used in whole or in part to provide an exemption from any academic performance requirement.

   2. Further, a student's academic performance shall not be used in whole or in part to provide an exemption from any attendance requirement. The Student Progression Plan under Policy 8.01 shall be interpreted consistent with this Policy.

3. Discipline for Attendance Violations.-- Even if a student with certain absences is allowed to pass a course or pass to the next grade level under the Student Progression Plan, students must be aware that unexcused absences (as defined in Policy 5.09) are prohibited and may result in discipline and/or other interventions.

   1. In accordance with Fla. Stat. § 1006.09(1)(b), no student shall be suspended for unexcused tardiness, lateness, absence, or truancy.

   2. However, other discipline and/or other interventions besides suspension may be imposed for attendance violations (such as habitual tardiness, failing to attend an assigned class while at school, being out of the assigned area, or leaving class or the school grounds without permission), as provided by School Board Policies 5.09, 5.187, 5.1812, 5.1813, or other relevant Policies, State Board of Education Rules, and Florida Statutes.

4. Students with Disabilities.-- This Policy shall be construed in harmony with the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and their federal implementing regulations and parallel state laws and an IEP or 504 Plan implementing such laws.