IN HB1260

Makes reduction of student absenteeism a policy priority for the Indiana Department of Education, requiring school corporations to identify contributing factors and develop chronic absence reduction plans

Directs the education roundtable to study and provide recommendations on early childhood education to the governor, state superintendent, general assembly, and state board

Requires pilot programs for at-risk students to mirror proven early education programs and focus on early childhood parental information, latch key programs, and preschool programs

Mandates school corporations share data on high chronic absence schools with the Department of Education and Family and Social Services Administration to target resource allocation and develop model attendance programs

Authorizes school corporations to contract with private or public entities for professional development on chronic absence factors and with nonprofit organizations to provide preventive and primary health care services in school-based clinics