Attendance Based F (BP/AR 5121)
Attendance Based F
As we navigate Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5121 regarding attendance and grading, I want to clarify expectations so that we're implementing the policy consistently while continuing to support students. I imagine this guidance and the procedures linked below may change as we figure this out together. I am also open to hearing your thoughts as well.
- Assigning an attendance-based failing grade does not drop or remove a student from your class. When a student attends class—even after their 12th unexcused absence—they remain on your roster, and teachers remain responsible for instructing them, including them in lessons, and grading work submitted while present.
- My concern with applying an attendance-based 'F' early in the term is that once a student believes passing is mathematically or procedurally impossible, they often disengage completely. That makes classroom management harder for you and eliminates our opportunity to teach them on the days they do show up. While attendance-based grading is an option under Board Policy, we also want to be thoughtful about how and when it is applied, particularly when there are still opportunities to improve a student's attendance and engagement. As the teacher of record, you are not required to issue an attendance based F.
- If you choose to enforce an attendance-based failing grade under BP 5121, district policy, state regulation (Ed Code 49067) require strict, documented due process—including required parent notices, conference offerings, opportunities for explanation, and full-credit make-up rights.
To support you, I have developed the attached BP/AR 5121 Attendance-Based Grading Checklist. If you intend to issue a failing grade based on unexcused absences, this checklist outlines the mandatory steps required to ensure full policy compliance and protect student due process.
Please review the checklist carefully. If you have not yet completed every required prerequisite step (such as documented parent contact, conferences, or make-up work opportunities), I strongly advise holding off on enforcing an attendance-based 'F' for the current grading period. Use this term to establish the necessary communication and documentation structures so that any future enforcement fully aligns with district policy.