Attendance at China Spring ISD

Texas law requires students age 6-19 to attend school each day that instruction is provided. Compulsory attendance applies to students who are younger than six who have previously been enrolled in first grade and to students below the age of six who are voluntarily enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten.

In Texas, a student is considered truant when they have accrued 10 or more absences from school within a six month period during the same school year. Missing even one class can count toward a student's unexcused absences.

Unexcused Absences - Truancy Prevention Measures

China Spring ISD is obligated to contact parent/guardians when students reach their third, seventh, and tenth unexcused absence.

After three unexcused absences: Parent/guardians will receive a letter from the school district.
After seven unexcused absences: Parent/guardians will receive an additional letter from the school district and be contacted by the campus at which your student is enrolled to set up an attendance committee meeting to implement truancy measures.
After ten unexcused absences: Parent/guardians will receive a letter from the school district, a meeting with the campus attendance committee, and could be filed on for truancy per Texas Education Code (25.095).

If a student is absent for three or more days, or parts of days, in a 4-week period, they could be filed on for truancy.

90% Attendance Rule for Credit

By law, every student must attend at least 90 percent of the days classes are offered. This includes all types of absences.

According to Texas Education Code 25.092, Texas law requires public school districts to enforce the 90 percent rule which states that students in an grade level from kindergarten through grade 12, must attend class for 90 percent of the time it is offered to receive credit or a final grade. This rule applies even if your child has an IEP or 504 Plan.

A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, of the days a class is offered may be given credit or a final grade for the class if the student completes a plan approved by the campus principal, that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class.

Excused Absences

Only four total days, per semester, can be accepted as excused absences by a parent signed excuse.

Students must turn in formal documentation for all absences exceeding the four days of excused absences. Formal documentation must be turned in within three days of the absence.

If the number of excused absences exceeds the 90 percent rule, set forth by the state of Texas, parent/guardians will be contacted by the district to create a plan for students to earn course credit and avoid retention.

According to Texas Education Code 25.087, the following absences are considered excused, with parent or doctor note, under Texas State Law.

Observing religious holy days
Attending a required court appearance
Appearing at a governmental office to complete paperwork required in connection with the student's application for United States citizenship
Taking part in a United States naturalization oath ceremony
Serving as an election clerk
If a student is in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), participating, as determined and documented by DFPS, in an activity:
- Ordered by a court under Family Code Chpater 262 or 263, provided that it is not practicable to schedule the participation outside of school hours, or
- Required under a service plan under Family Code Chapter 263, Subchapter B

The following absences are considered excused, with parent or doctor note, under District Policy

Higher Education Visits
- Up to two days during junior year
- Up to two days during senior year
Career Investigation
- Up to two days during junior year
- Up to two days during senior year
Armed Services Enlistment
Early Voting or Election Clerk
Learner or Driver's License

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

Regular attendance is essential for your child's academic success. Consistent attendance helps students stay engaged, participate fully in classroom activities, and achieve their academic goals. Missing just a few days of school can disrupt learning, lower academic achievement, and lead to chronic absenteeism. China Spring ISD is committed to working with families to ensure students stay on track.

How Parents Can Help

Provide doctor's notes, college visit forms, and other absence documentation within three business days.
Schedule appointments on Fridays, as students do not have class.
Make sure your student attends every required instructional day.
Eliminate late arrivals/tardies and early pick-ups as these can be counted as absences.
Communicate with the school about any necessary absences.
Following the law for the 90% attendance rule for credit as stated above.

How CSISD Supports Attendance

Parent phone calls regarding attendance/truancy after three unexcused absences.
5-7 unexcused absences: Parents receive referral to attend required truancy pre-court conference with attendance committee.
Mentoring through community partnership agencies.
Friday or Saturday school and community service options.
10 or more absences or failure to complete pre-court requirements are referred to county truancy court with Judge Richardson.

Every Day in School Counts

When a student misses even one day of school, an opportunity for learning is lost. Attendance Works, a nonprofit aimed at supporting positive school attendance, provides information about the significant impact chronic absenteeism can have on a student's educational journey.

1. Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.

2. Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of the third grade or be held back.

3. By sixth grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

4. Research shows that missing 10% of school, or about 18 days, negatively affects a student's academic performance. That's just two days a month and that is considered chronic absence.

5. When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.

6. The academic impact of missing that much school is the same whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Suspensions also add to lost time in the classroom.

China Spring ISD