STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2013) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) to address chronic school absenteeism passed the Senate today by a unanimous vote.

Senate Bill 338 would require school corporations to determine contributing factors to absenteeism and establish chronic absence reduction plans. It also establishes a 95-percent attendance rate requirement in order for a student to receive a graduation waiver.

“The only way for students to get a complete education is by being present during the school day,” Kruse said. “Emphasizing the importance of attending class also prepares students to be punctual in their lives as adults. If we don’t address the issue of chronic school absences, neither of these objectives will be accomplished.”

The bill calls for public schools to record the number of students who are habitually truant and share this information in an annual report to the Indiana Department of Education. To ensure the accountability of these reports, SB 338 requires public schools to keep a daily attendance record open for inspection.

SB 338 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.