Degree Date

12-2016

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ed.D. Doctor of Education

Academic Discipline

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Norman Weston

Second Advisor

Dr. Jack Denny

Third Advisor

Dr. Valerie Owen

Abstract

This proposed policy advocates for students in alternative high school programs to have flexible school day schedules according to Illinois State Board of Education compulsory attendance laws. Students in alternative high school programs are often referred for chronic truancy. Most school board policies state that all students need to attend school for the entire 300 minutes of the instructional day because when students do not attend for a full day or a half-day (150 minutes) the district is penalized in the amount of general state aid. This is all too often the case with students enrolled in a district’s high school alternative program. To address this issue, this policy advocates for a flexible schedule. With a modified attendance policy, students would be able to attend school for 180 minutes of instruction and 120 minutes of supplemental services to meet their needs. By having a flexible school day schedule, alternative high school programs can not only focus on attendance, but also develop the skills students need to be college and career ready. The flexibility in scheduling will also increase the funding for school districts because a full day of instruction can be reported based on the fact that the student is receiving 180 minutes per day of instruction and 120 minutes of supplemental services, rather than just reporting a half day of attendance or losing a day for no attendance at all.

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