Keeping Students in School

Currently, I am following two bills in related to school discipline and truancy which is aimed to help keep students in school. HB410 has been introduced and referred to the Education committee. Senator Lehner is also working on a similar bill to HB410. These bills would change Ohio law to align with best practices by moving away from zero tolerance school discipline policies and keeping youth out of the juvenile court system for missing school. Erin Davis, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Coalition, created a fact sheet on Ohio school discipline policies and truancy laws.

Research says that decreased school attendance can lead to:

1) diminished academic performance
2) a higher likelihood of out-of-school suspension and expulsion
3) an increased likelihood of juvenile court involvement.

Data shows that non-white students, students with disabilities, and low income students are disproportionately impacted by current policies. They are more likely to be truant, chronically absent, and suspended/expelled from school.

To read in more detail click on "fact sheet" above to access Erin's write up on the issues. Or you can find it through the link here.