Report on Bigfork School Board Attendance Policy Review

Overview

On June 18, the Bigfork School Board convened to review the current attendance policy and consider proposed changes. This review aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, aiming to enhance educational outcomes through improved attendance management.

Current Attendance Policy

Under the existing policy, school officials may excuse absences for the following reasons:

• Illness
• Bereavement
• Family emergencies
• Medical appointments with a doctor’s note
• Participation in school activities

Proposed Policy Changes

1. Assignment Completion: Students will have one day after returning to school to complete any missed work.
2. Due Dates: Work assigned prior to absence will be due on the later of the original due date or the student’s return date.
3. Notification Period: Parents must notify the school of an absence within 24 hours, reduced from the current 48 hours.
4. Advance Makeup of Assignments: This provision is removed entirely from the proposed policy.
5. Grading Impact: For middle and high school students, 20% of the grade will be based on participation and attendance.
6. Absence Penalties: After ten excused or unexcused absences, each additional absence will result in a 2% deduction in the student’s grade.

Additional Clarifications

• School-related activities and doctor’s appointments with a note will not count against the ten allowable absences per semester.
• Trustee Dan Elwell noted ongoing feedback and concerns regarding policy consistency.

Next Steps and Access to Policy Documents

No formal action was taken on the proposed changes during the June meeting. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full current and proposed attendance policies to support informed decision-making, contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Access the full policy documents here.

Conclusion

The Bigfork School Board’s review of attendance policies demonstrates a commitment to improving educational quality and equity, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals. Effective attendance management supports student engagement and academic success, contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) and fostering lifelong learning opportunities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses school attendance policies, which directly relate to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Excused absences include illness and medical appointments, highlighting the connection between health and education.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The policy changes impact how absences are treated, which can affect equitable access to education and fair treatment of students with different circumstances.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.1.2: Completion rate (primary, lower secondary, upper secondary)
   • Indicator 4.1.3: Participation rate in organized learning (one year before the official primary entry age)
   • Implied indicator: Student attendance rates and the impact of attendance on academic performance (e.g., grade deductions linked to absences).
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (including access to medical appointments)
   • Implied indicator: Number of excused absences due to illness or medical appointments.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (implied in equitable treatment of students)
   • Implied indicator: Equity in attendance policy enforcement and impact on student grades regardless of background.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nbcmontana.com