HJ0011 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0011 LRB100 06993 MST 17046 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The early years are a critical period in a child's learning and development, and set the foundation for higher-level thinking skills later in life; and

WHEREAS, Missing too many days of school can make it difficult for youth to stay on track in classes and maintain momentum for graduation from high school; and

WHEREAS, Chronic absenteeism is a powerful predictor of the students who may eventually drop out of school; and

WHEREAS, Chronic absenteeism can lead to poor educational and life outcomes for children; and

WHEREAS, Students with documented disabilities are more likely to be absent from school than their same-aged peers; and

WHEREAS, Children and youth who are homeless benefit from being in school and yet are more likely to be chronically absent; and

WHEREAS, The hard work of educators is undermined by chronic absenteeism among students; and

WHEREAS, Positive re-engagement strategies can decrease chronic absenteeism and youth involvement in the juvenile justice system; and

WHEREAS, Children with involved families have better school attendance, lower suspension rates, and overall higher graduation rates; and

WHEREAS, Students who are in school every day are much more likely to engage in positive behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Community involvement decreases chronic absenteeism and potentially increases the local quality of life; and

WHEREAS, School attendance promotes college and career readiness, thereby increasing the number of students in Illinois with high quality degrees and credentials; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage the Illinois State Board of Education and each school district in this State to consider the benefits of the attendance awareness campaign "Every Student Counts, Every Day Matters" encouraged by the Illinois Attendance Commission; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois State Board of Education and the Regional Offices of Education.