HJ179: Chronic truancy and dropout preventions; Board of Education to study need for and ways of improving.

Chief Patron

Del. Frank Hall (D-69)

Frank Hall (D-69)
Richmond, VA
Served: 1976–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate

Status

02/12/2008: Failed to Pass in Committee

View Entire History

Summary

Study; chronic truancy and dropout prevention; report.  Requests the Board of Education to study the need for and ways of improving the coordination between chronic truancy and dropout prevention in Virginia. In conducting its study, the Board of Education shall, among other things, (i) review state laws and its policies relating to the enforcement of compulsory school attendance, truancy, and dropout prevention for consistency and clarity; (ii) evaluate the need for and duties of school attendance officers as provided by state law, and the need for conformity in statutory requirements pertaining to school attendance officers; (iii) evaluate the need to clarify and enhance the responsibilities of division superintendents to enforce compulsory school attendance laws; (iv) assess factors related to the causes of academic underachievement, chronic truancy, and school dropout and determine whether, and under what conditions, such students should also be considered “children in need of services” for compulsory school attendance purposes; (v) consider the need and efficacy of defining “truancy” and “chronic truancy” in the Code of Virginia; and (vi) recommend to the General Assembly such changes to state law and public policies, including funding, and such other initiatives as the Board may deem appropriate and necessary to effect a comprehensive approach to chronic truancy and dropout prevention. The Board must submit its findings and recommendations to the 2009 Session of the General Assembly.