Klinker co-authors House Bill 1201 to improve chronic absenteeism and behavioral concerns

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) signed on to House Bill (HB) 1201 as a co-author after it was heard in the House Education Committee. HB 1201 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to create a list of best practices for student discipline and to reduce chronic absenteeism. It also requires the IDOE to develop intervention measures for students with attendance issues.  

Rep. Klinker released the following statement about the legislation:

“Something I’ve heard multiple times from our teachers is that students are missing critical instruction. Since the pandemic, the number of our youth, of all grade levels, who are missing multiple weeks of school has soared. 

“Our teachers are highly concerned because absences hinder student progress. Absences complicate the work being done in the classroom by our valued educators. A teacher must move forward in their lessons for the rest of their class while ensuring absent students are able to catch up. As an elected body, the General Assembly must do everything we can to get students into the classroom. 

“Even when our students attend school, our administrators and educators have seen a rise in behavioral issues. Classroom disruptions are becoming an everyday issue from kindergarten to high school.  Disruptive behavior can be caused by family dynamics, peer pressure or other social factors. However, we can do more to support our educators and administrators as they address increasing behavioral concerns. Teachers exist to educate, not to be second parents to their students. Our educators must be able to come to work and do their job each day. 

“I am pleased to be a co-author of House Bill 1201. I believe it will provide much-needed support to educators and administrators across the state.”