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October 25, 2024 9:00 AM – Interim Study Committee on Education

Summary

During the Interim Study Committee on Education meeting held on October 25, 2024, at 9 AM, several important topics were discussed:

Key Topics

  1. Absence Categorization and Reporting: Discussion highlighted the lack of a standardized definition for excused vs. unexcused absences. The committee considered asking the Department of Education (DOE) to provide more guidance on what should qualify as excused absences, recognizing local control but emphasizing consistency for better transparency and fairness.
  2. Chronic Absenteeism: Indiana’s high absentee rates (32% among high school seniors) were identified as problematic. Various contributors discussed the impact of chronic absenteeism on academic success and state-wide performance metrics.
  3. Best Practices for Attendance Improvement: Representative Smith shared successful strategies for improving attendance, such as providing alarm clocks, promoting accountability, and rewarding attendance with parties and trophies. The committee supported the idea of the DOE compiling best practices across schools.
  4. Behavior Management: Discussion included various approaches to reduce behavioral issues, such as engaging students in activities and organizations, particularly for those prone to discipline issues. The DOE was encouraged to compile effective behavior management practices as guidance for schools.
  5. Freshman Engagement Programs: Programs like the Center for High School Success at Indianapolis schools were discussed as models for improving freshman engagement and reducing dropout rates by offering freshman seminars and consistent mentoring.

Committee Actions and Votes

  • Vote on Amendments to the Draft Report:
    • The committee voted on an amendment to the interim report to recommend that the DOE:
      1. Study categorization rationale between excused and unexcused absences.
      2. Make recommendations for standard definitions of excused vs. unexcused absences.
      3. Compile a list of best practices for managing absenteeism and student discipline.
    • Vote Outcome: Passed with a unanimous vote of 12-0.
      • Yes Votes: Rep. Bob Behning, Sen. Scott Alexander, Sen. Gary Byrne, Rep. Michelle Davis, Rep. Ed DeLaney, Sen.Stacy Donato, Sen. J.D. Ford,  Rep. Sheila Klinker, Rep. Julie McGuire, Sen. Jeff Ratz, Rep. Vernon Smith, and Sen. Shelli Yoder.
      • Excused: Sen. Andrea Hundley, Rep. Jake Teshka.

Additional Notes

  • Absenteeism as a Barrier: The committee highlighted absenteeism as a primary barrier to academic achievement, stressing its strong correlation with declining performance on national assessments.
  • Senator Hundley’s Insight: Though absent, her prior input as a principal was instrumental in discussing the challenges with absence categorization and the need for better-defined policies at the local level.
  • Representative Smith’s Personal Practices: Smith’s practical solutions for addressing attendance and behavior, such as distributing alarm clocks and creating an attendance rewards system, were well-received and considered potential statewide best practices.
  • DOE Engagement: The committee encouraged active DOE involvement to consolidate effective policies on both absenteeism and behavioral issues, a progressive step toward unified standards that balance guidance with local autonomy.

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