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1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The early years are a critical period in a child's
3learning and development, and set the foundation for
4higher-level thinking skills later in life; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Missing too many days of school can make it
6difficult for youth to stay on track in classes and maintain
7momentum for graduation from high school; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Chronic absenteeism is a powerful predictor of the
9students who may eventually drop out of school; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Chronic absenteeism can lead to poor educational
11and life outcomes for children; and
 
12    WHEREAS, Students with documented disabilities are more
13likely to be absent from school than their same-aged peers; and
 
14    WHEREAS, Children and youth who are homeless benefit from
15being in school and yet are more likely to be chronically
16absent; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The hard work of educators is undermined by
18chronic absenteeism among students; and
 

 

 

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1    WHEREAS, Positive re-engagement strategies can decrease
2chronic absenteeism and youth involvement in the juvenile
3justice system; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Children with involved families have better
5school attendance, lower suspension rates, and overall higher
6graduation rates; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Students who are in school every day are much more
8likely to engage in positive behaviors; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Community involvement decreases chronic
10absenteeism and potentially increases the local quality of
11life; and
 
12    WHEREAS, School attendance promotes college and career
13readiness, thereby increasing the number of students in
14Illinois with high quality degrees and credentials; therefore,
15be it
 
16    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
17HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE
18CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage the Illinois State Board
19of Education and each school district in this State to consider
20the benefits of the attendance awareness campaign "Every
21Student Counts, Every Day Matters" encouraged by the Illinois

 

 

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1Attendance Commission; and be it further
 
2    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
3delivered to the Illinois State Board of Education and the
4Regional Offices of Education.