1. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director Discussion on State Attendance Guidelines Spring Attendance Conference Murfreesboro, TN April 17, 2014 Dannelle F. Walker General Counsel

2. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director Outline for Discussion Historical Context Why Do We Need This? What Does the Law Say? What Does the new State Board Rule say?

3. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director Why Do We Need This? Consistency Fairness Because we have to

4. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director What Does the Law Say? 49-6-3002. State attendance guidelines -- No penalty for period of hospital or homebound instruction. (a) The state board of education shall promulgate rules, in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, that prescribe guidelines for use by local boards of education in establishing standards and policies governing student attendance, subject to availability of funds. The guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, the following stipulations: (1) Attendance policies shall be firm but fair so that each student has a reasonable opportunity to meet the minimum requirements; (2) Effective accounting and reporting procedures shall be developed to keep parents or guardians informed of a student's absence from class; (3) Policies shall accommodate extenuating circumstances created by emergencies over which the student has no control; (4) Appeal procedures shall be included to assure the student's right of due process; and (5) Alternative programs shall be established to provide educational options for any student who severely fails to meet minimum attendance requirements.

5. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director What Does the State Board Rule Say? Passed on April 11 th Effective 105 days from filing – Just in time for the new school year

6. State Board of Education Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director Dannelle F. Walker dannelle.walker@tn.gov 615-741-2966 dannelle.walker@tn.gov