THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

OFFICE FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, SECONDARY AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
James R. Butterworth, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Regional School and Community Services
ROOM 475 EBA
Tel. 518/474-4817
Fax 518/474-7558

At its October meeting, the Board of Regents amended section 104.1 of the Regulations of the Commissioner concerning pupil attendance. The revised regulation affects three general areas:

• Content and responsibility for the record of pupil attendance.
• Review of attendance data by school building administrators for the purpose of identifying pupil attendance problems and initiating appropriate action to improve pupil attendance.
• Development of a Comprehensive Attendance Policy by each school district.

During February and March 2002, the State Education Department and the New York State Center for School Safety (NYSCSS) will conduct regional technical assistance workshops concerning these new requirements. Specific guidance will be provided regarding:

• Taking and recording of period-by-period attendance.
• Determination of excused and unexcused absence.
• Relationship between pupil attendance and course credit.
• Development of comprehensive attendance policies.
• Other pertinent topics.

Attendance is limited because of space availability. Three participants from each district may attend including:

• District or Building Administrator
• Attendance Director
• Teacher Association Representative

A schedule for these workshops is included. The specific site for each workshop is still being determined. That information and an agenda will be mailed to you separately and posted at the following websites:

www.emsc.nysed.gov/rscs/chaps/chapshome.htm

www.mhric.org/scss

To register for the workshop, please fill out the enclosed registration form and mail or fax it to the New York State Center for School Safety. You may also direct questions to the NYSCSS at 845 - 255-8989.

Attendance is a critical factor in student success in school. Consistent school attendance, improved academic performance and school completion are positively correlated and will contribute to your efforts to assure that all of your students reach the higher standards established by the Board of Regents. We encourage your participation during the upcoming workshop series.

Attachments

cc:      NYS Center for School Safety
          CSHN Offices

To List of Technical Assistance Workshops

To Registration Form