Attendance

Consistent school attendance is an essential component of a student’s education. Absence from school will affect a student’s ability to succeed in class; therefore, students and parents should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences. Additionally, state law mandates compulsory school attendance for children of a certain age, and LTS policy deals with attendance for course credit and a student’s final grade. These laws are discussed below.

Texas Compulsory Attendance Law

The state compulsory attendance law requires that a student between the ages of 6 and 19 must attend school and any applicable accelerated instruction programs and school-required tutorial sessions, unless the student is otherwise legally exempted or excused. LTS staff must investigate and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law. A student absent from school without permission from any class, from required special programs, or from required tutorials will be considered “truant” and subject to disciplinary action.

Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are subject to compulsory attendance requirements as long as they remain enrolled.

Notice to Parents: Under Texas Education Code § 25.095(a), you are hereby notified that if a student is absent from school on ten or more days or parts of days within a six-month period in the same school year, the student’s parent is subject to prosecution under Texas Education Code § 25.093; and the student is subject to referral to a truancy court for truant conduct under Texas Family Code § 65.003(a).

LTS shall notify a student’s parent if the student has been absent from school, without excuse, on three days or parts of days within a four-week period. The notice will inform the parent that it is the parent’s duty to monitor the student’s school attendance and require the student to attend school; that the student is subject to truancy prevention measures under Texas Education Code § 25.0915; and that a conference between school officials and the parent is needed to discuss the absences.

Attendance for Credit or Final Grade

To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered. These days include both excused and unexcused absences. A student who attends fewer than 90% of the days the class is offered may be referred to the Attendance Review Committee to determine whether the absences were due to extenuating circumstances and how the student may regain credit or earn a final grade.

The Attendance Review Committee will consider the following factors when determining whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absence:

• 1. All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be considered, with consideration given to special circumstances as defined by the Texas Education Code.
• 2. For a student transferring into LTS after school begins, including a migrant student, only those absences after enrollment will be considered.
• 3. In reaching consensus about a student’s absences, the Attendance Review Committee will attempt to ensure that its decision is in the best interests of the student.
• 4. The Attendance Review Committee will consider whether the absences were for reasons over which the student or parent could exercise control.
• 5. The Attendance Review Committee will consider the acceptability and authenticity of documentation expressing reasons for the student’s absences.
• 6. The Attendance Review Committee will consider the extent to which the student has completed all assignments, mastered the essential knowledge and skills, and maintained passing grades in the course or subject.
• 7. The student or parent will be given an opportunity to present any information to the Attendance Review Committee about the absences and to discuss ways to earn or regain credit.

If credit is lost or a final grade is not earned due to excessive absences, the Attendance Review Committee will decide how the student may regain credit or earn a final grade. If the Attendance Review Committee determines there are no extenuating circumstances and that credit or a final grade may not be earned, the student or parent may appeal the Attendance Review Committee’s decision to the Board of Directors by filing a written request with the superintendent or designee. The appeal notice must be postmarked to the following address within five days following the last day of instruction in the semester for which credit was denied. The appeal notice will then be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The superintendent or designee shall inform the student or parent of the date, time, and place of the meeting.