INDIANA – Significant changes to how school attendance will be counted and reported in Indiana are on the horizon, taking effect July 1, 2025. These updates come as part of Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 482, Indiana’s revised attendance law.
Under the new regulations, various types of absences that were previously excused and not counted towards a student’s total absence record will now be counted as absences, even if legitimately excused. This means that while the school may approve a student’s absence, it will still be counted toward their overall absence total.
These types of absences include:
- Illness (physical or mental) with a parent’s call or a doctor’s note.
- Family emergencies or the death of a loved one.
- Pre-planned family vacations.
- Recognized religious holidays.
- Unexpected events, such as severe weather or transportation issues, or dismissals by a school nurse.
These types of absences must still adhere to the district’s specific policies and procedures to be considered excused.
Not Counted as Absences
Some activities, even though they happen outside the classroom, will not count against your child’s attendance, as long as the proper documentation is provided:
- Serving as a page or honoree at the Indiana Statehouse
- Participating in Election Day activities
- Being subpoenaed to court
- Active military duty (15+ days per year)
- Approved participation in 4-H, FFA, or Indiana State Fair events
- Pre-approved school-sponsored educational activities
The Indiana Department of Education’s goal with these changes is to enhance student learning and encourage consistent school attendance.
