IL HJR0001

Creates the Truancy in Chicago Public Schools Task Force to address high absenteeism rates, with nearly 32,000 K-8 students in Chicago Public Schools missing 4 or more weeks of class in the 2010-2011 school year.

Task Force composition includes 26 member categories: state officials, legislative appointees, representatives from state agencies, city officials, school district leadership, teachers' organizations, community groups, and public members representing diverse stakeholder interests.

Task Force shall examine state and district policies on truancy and excessive absences, identify strategies to reduce truancy and excessive absences, and promote professional development for school personnel to address root causes.

Task Force must hold public hearings in Chicago and submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2013.

State Board of Education shall provide staff and administrative support; task force members receive reimbursement for travel expenses from State Board of Education appropriations.