What is an excused absence?

On Board Online • September 24, 2018

By Mary Williams-Noi
Policy Consultant

Board policy must set excused and unexcused absences. NYSSBA recommends that students only be excused for illness or certain other issues such as: an illness or death in their family, impassable roads or weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, school-sanctioned sports, or military obligations.

Building administrators should be empowered to approve absences as excused for other reasons including (but not limited to) absences due to circumstances related to homelessness.

It is important that school districts work to engage families to encourage regular attendance. Ultimately, parents have the responsibility for ensuring their child is in school every day.

Building a strong relationship with parents often requires educators to become familiar with the cultural traditions of various families, including refugee, immigrant and ELL students. This enhances your school's ability to create a welcoming and respectful school environment.

For instance, exams and important school events should not be scheduled on religious holidays or other dates of cultural significance. Many schools have paid attention to Jewish holidays for years. What about other holidays, such as Ramadan, when observant Muslim students will be fasting?

Thinking ahead on such matters will prevent large numbers of students from being absent - or underperforming - on a key day.

It is also important to incorporate cultural lessons into classroom work and form partnerships, as appropriate, with local cultural or ethnic organizations.