HI HCR173

Request the Board of Education and Department of Education to develop a strategic plan addressing chronic student absenteeism in Hawaii public schools.

Strategic plan must identify weaknesses in attendance policies, specify desired outcomes for parent contact and classroom support, and develop effective data collection and reporting methods for administrators, guardians, and neighborhood boards.

Require school administrators or administrative staff to directly communicate any student absences or tardiness to guardians within a reasonable timeframe, and provide written notification of unexcused absences.

Department of Education must submit the strategic plan to the Legislature 60 days before the 2016 Regular Session and a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation 30 days prior to the 2016 Regular Session.

Resolution addresses concerns that current policies delay parent notification of absences (up to 12 hours in some cases), place excessive responsibility on teachers, and lack statewide attendance standards.