When Sick Days Become Court Days: Rethinking the Cost of Attendance Policies
S.N.A.P. Coaching Framework
About the S.N.A.P. Method™ : The S.N.A.P. Method™ is a reflective framework created for teachers navigating the real world.
Let's stop asking if students are in seats and start asking if they're well enough to thrive there.
I was reading an article the other day about how certain school districts are addressing chronic absenteeism. One headline caught my eye: a Tennessee district recently announced that doctor's notes will no longer excuse a student's absence. From now on, students will be marked as either present or absent, with no exceptions or special considerations, including those related to illness.
At first, it sounded extreme. However, as I delved deeper, I realized this issue isn't as simple as black and white.
When Families Are Caught in the Middle
Imagine this: a student misses school repeatedly due to recurring illnesses like strep throat, the flu, or a viral infection. Their parent does everything correctly: schedules appointments, gets a doctor's note, and notifies the school. However, under the new policy, none of that matters.
Instead of being counted as "excused," each absence still adds up. By the time they reach a certain number, the family risks being taken to truancy court, not because they were negligent, but because the system no longer allows for discretion. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety for the student and a sense of helplessness for the parent.
For some families, this shift may unintentionally feel more like punishment than support. Others are now considering alternatives, such as homeschooling, not because they want to, but because they feel they have no choice. This possible disruption to family life highlights the human cost of strict policies.
Where Policy Meets Pressure: Lawrence County vs. State Guidance
Let's take a closer look at how Lawrence County's policy compares to Tennessee state law:
Lawrence County marks all absences as either "present" or "absent," removing the familiar "excused" category. Even a valid doctor's note won't excuse a day unless it's linked to a pre-approved chronic or serious illness documented before school starts. (WSMV.com)
Intervention Timeline: The consequences escalate quickly:
3 absences: Parent meeting
5 absences: Student placed on an attendance contract
8 absences: Referred to juvenile court
12–14 absences: Loss of privileges like field trips or athletics
These steps are often designed to catch patterns of disengagement early, but without space for discretion, they can sometimes catch the wrong families in the net.
While Tennessee law allows for court referral after five unexcused absences, Lawrence County's policy is stricter, especially since most absences, even legitimate ones, are deemed unexcused unless pre-certified by the school. (LawrenceburgNow.com)
Exemptions Require Pre-Approval: The only way an absence can be excused is with documentation of a chronic illness submitted prior to the start of the school year. Therefore, if a child becomes seriously ill during the year, even with a doctor's note, the absence may still be counted as truancy unless it is pre-approved. (LawrenceburgNow.com)
What the Law Says
Lawrence County is within its legal rights. Tennessee law allows districts to set their absence policies and to refer students for intervention or court action after five unexcused absences.
However, the law also encourages schools to exercise discretion in distinguishing between a pattern of disengagement and a family navigating a genuine illness. While this policy technically aligns with the law, it bypasses the nuance meant to support rather than alienate families. Perhaps a more balanced approach could combine strict enforcement with compassionate understanding, supported by clear guidelines and open communication.
Use S.N.A.P. Before We Set the Standard
Whether you're a district leader, educator, or parent, the S.N.A.P. framework helps ground our decisions in both care and clarity.
Stop: Pause before reacting with broad policies. Policies based on pressure often lack compassion.
Notice: Ask more insightful questions. Are absences really signs of disengagement, or could they be signals of something else, like illness, anxiety, or lack of access?
Act: Respond with balanced action. Protect the integrity of attendance expectations while allowing for flexibility in response to real-life challenges. This balance is essential to ensure that policies are not only enforced but also understood and accepted by all stakeholders.
Plan: Develop systems that strike a balance between accountability and flexibility. Tiered documentation, open communication, and mid-year exceptions allow schools to be both fair and firm.
Final Thought:
This isn't about blaming school districts or questioning families' intentions. It's about finding a balanced approach that safeguards against misuse without losing sight of the individual student behind every data point. Policies shouldn't be limited to handbooks. They should reflect the values we hold dear.
Let's prioritize wisdom, compassion, and consistency.
Let's remember that students don't just need to be counted; they need to be seen and supported.
Yes, attendance is important, and yes, chronic absenteeism requires our attention; but when policies are interpreted in ways that make sick children feel like rule-breakers or concerned parents feel unheard, we lose the very heart of what education is meant to be.
Proverbs 4:7 reminds us: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Let's build systems grounded in understanding, not just enforcement.
Lawrence County's approach demonstrates a shift from a flexible interpretation of illness to strict enforcement of attendance. The goal is clear: boost attendance to improve results. While this goal is valid, replacing empathy with rigid policies risks alienating families and unfairly burdening those who are already doing their best.
A better way forward exists that includes clear guidelines, fair documentation, and flexibility for real-life circumstances. With the right balance, we can support students, maintain trust, and reach our attendance goals without sacrificing compassion. Remember, it's not just about filling seats; it's about creating schools where students are healthy, safe, and supported enough to want to attend.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear how your district or family is navigating this issue.
