W. Va. Code R. § 126-81-5

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 16, April 19, 2024

Section 126-81-5 - County Attendance Policy

5.1. County central office staff shall:

5.1.a. provide opportunities for input from teachers, principals, attendance directors, parents/guardians/custodians, and community leaders when developing or revising the attendance policy.

5.2. Each county's attendance policy shall address the following components:

5.2.a. a philosophy declaring the county board's intent to increase attendance by:

5.2.a.1. creating a positive safe environment conducive to learning and committed to helping students develop responsibility, self-discipline, and other good work habits.

5.2.a.2. developing a system enlisting parent/guardian/custodian support for daily school attendance by students.

5.2.b. County school systems are responsible for:

5.2.b.1. appointing a designated school attendance coordinator (principal or designee) who collects classroom attendance data and makes appropriate referrals to the attendance director.

5.2.b.2. reporting student attendance information which reflects the allowable deductions as defined by the WVBE.

5.2.b.3. defining excused and unexcused absences in compliance with W. Va. Code §18 8-1 and § 18-8-2, and attendance in W. Va. 126CSR42, Policy 2510, Assuring the Quality of Education: Regulations for Education Programs (Policy 2510); provided, however, that no county may require more than a parent/guardian/custodian excuse for absences resulting from a documented chronic medical condition or a documented disability as defined in section 4.9 and section 4.10.

5.2.b.4. defining extenuating circumstances for absences which may require homebound/hospital instruction as outlined in Policy 2510.

5.2.b.5. setting reasonable preventive measures and consequences for student tardiness.

5.2.b.6. ensuring that the county attendance policy will be posted on the county school system's website and readily available to the public.

5.2.b.7. assuring that a student may not be suspended solely for failure to attend class. Other methods of discipline may include, but are not limited to, detention, extra class time, or alternative class settings.

5.2.b.8. reporting all school dropouts to the WVDE.

5.2.c. County school systems are responsible for:

5.2.c.1. developing a process to notify students and their parents/guardians/custodians of the county attendance policy and their responsibility and accountability for regular school attendance.

5.2.c.2. developing, implementing, and monitoring procedures and reasonable timelines requiring students with Excused and Unexcused Absences and to make up school work.

5.2.c.3. requiring a student maintain satisfactory attendance (satisfactory being defined as no Unexcused Absences) during one complete semester following the revocation of the student's driver's license.

5.2.c.4. developing an attendance appeal process for students and parents/guardians/custodians.

5.2.d. Maintenance of Records: Accurate attendance records and related documentation shall be maintained for every student enrolled in public school.

5.2.d.1. An up-to-date daily record of attendance for every student shall be maintained.

5.2.d.2. There shall be written procedures for:

1) notifying parents/guardians/custodians about absences;

2) monitoring absences; and

3) notifying the attendance director of an Unexcused Absence.

5.2.d.3. Students who are physically absent from school must be documented as absent. This record may become a legal document.

5.2.e. Preventive and Corrective Measures: To meet the developmental needs of students, preventive and corrective measures should include developing:

5.2.e.1. preventive and educational procedures including incentives to maintain and improve attendance and reduce tardiness.

5.2.e.2. procedures for notification of parents/guardians/custodians of absences and procedures for securing parent/guardian/custodian involvement to improve student attendance.

5.2.e.3. procedures for providing adequate counseling for issues related to attendance.

5.2.e.4. procedures for interagency involvement.

5.2.e.5. alternative plans and programs that are positive in nature and encourage improved school attendance.

5.2.e.6. assurances that students with a pattern of excessive absenteeism are referred to appropriate SAT/programs (Policy 2510) for appropriate intervention(s), and that these interventions have been reviewed to determine effectiveness.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-81-5