Virginia Law

The following words or terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Excused absence" means an absence of an entire assigned instructional school day with a reason acceptable to the school administration that is provided by the parent. If circumstances permit, the parent should provide the school administration with the reason for the nonattendance prior to the absence. Examples of an excused absence may include the following reasons: funeral, illness (including mental health and substance abuse illnesses), injury, legal obligations, medical procedures, suspensions, religious observances, and military obligation. Suspended students continue to remain under the provisions of compulsory school attendance as described in § 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia. An absence from school attendance resulting from a suspension shall be recorded in compliance with this section for the period of the suspension.

"Instructional school day" means the length of a regularly scheduled school day for an individual student.

"Textbooks" means print or electronic media for student use that serve as the primary curriculum basis for grade-level subject or course.

"Truancy" means the act of accruing one or more unexcused absences.

"Unexcused absence" means an absence where (i) the student misses a scheduled instructional school day in its entirety and (ii) no indication has been received by school personnel within five days of the absence that the student's parent is aware and supports the absence, or the parent provides a reason for the absence that is unacceptable to the school administration. The school administration may change an unexcused absence to an excused absence when it determines that the parent has provided an acceptable reason meeting criteria for the student's absence or there are extenuating circumstances.