This means that every student in Grades 1 through 12 must have the opportunity to come to school 180 days every year. The rule is not, however, an attendance rule. Excused and unexcused absences continue to be determined according to local policy. If a school has valid education reasons for requiring seniors to attend fewer than 180 days, the school may submit its proposed schedule for those students to the Department of Education for review and consideration for approval. The Department is authorized to waive a maximum of two instructional days for graduation related activities.
Waivers are valid for only one school year.
Waiver requests must be made annually. The department will not approve a waiver request when graduation is scheduled prior to the 180th student instructional day unless the school intends to require seniors to attend school after graduation exercises are conducted. Schools are reminded that the requirement to reschedule canceled student instructional days applies to seniors as it does to all other students. Schools are encouraged to provide for makeup days within the school calendar and prior to the end of the school year. Graduation after completion of seven semesters is still permitted, if allowed by local policy.