How to understand and manage school attendance, truancy, and the 90% rule when your child has health-related absences.
For Texas families of children with disabilities or chronic health needs, frequent school absences are often unavoidable. However, Texas law has strict rules about attendance, including the 90% attendance rule and truancy laws that may impact class credit and graduation. This guide explains those rules in depth and offers practical strategies for staying in compliance, protecting your child’s rights, and building strong partnerships with your child’s school.
1. Understanding the 90% Attendance Rule in Texas
Under Texas Education Code § 25.092, students must be present for at least 90% of a class’s days to receive credit. This rule applies even if the child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
- Standard school year = 180 days
- Allowable absences = Up to 18 days per year or 9 per semester
If your child misses more than 10% of their school days, they risk:
- Having to repeat a grade (in elementary school)
- Losing credit for individual courses (in middle/high school)
Note: This rule applies to each class individually—not just to overall attendance.
2. What Counts Toward the 90% Rule?
Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the 90% rule. Even if the absence is medically justified, it may still affect credit eligibility. However, schools can make exceptions through meetings with the principal or an attendance committee.
Ways to avoid losing credit:
- Attend part of the school day: If your child goes to a doctor’s appointment but attends part of the day, they are considered present.
- Rotate appointment times to avoid missing the same class repeatedly.
Tip: Schools are more likely to excuse or work with families when parents are transparent, involved, and proactive.
3. Truancy Laws in Texas and Their Impact on Families
Texas law defines truancy as accumulating:
- 3 unexcused absences in a 4-week period, or
- 10 unexcused absences in a 6-month period
Under House Bill 2398 (passed in 2015), truancy is no longer a criminal offense for students but is still handled through civil court, often via Justice of the Peace or Municipal Courts. Parents may be held legally accountable under “Parental Contributing to Nonattendance.”
Schools must:
- Send written warnings after unexcused absences
- Schedule a meeting with parents and possibly a truancy officer
- Implement Truancy Prevention Measures (TPMs) before filing a court case
Important: These legal consequences can be avoided if the school acknowledges that absences are medically justified or disability-related.
4. Tips for Managing Frequent Absences
To avoid credit loss or legal trouble, create a consistent system for tracking and documenting absences. Begin by notifying the school the same day your child misses class, and follow up with any required forms or doctor’s notes. Keep a dedicated binder or digital folder with copies of all communication, documentation, and medical records. Building a relationship with the attendance clerk early in the school year can also help streamline communication and avoid misunderstandings.
5. Strategies for Staying Academically On Track
Helping your child keep up with schoolwork despite frequent absences requires a proactive and flexible approach. Consider establishing a homework buddy system, where a trusted classmate shares notes and updates. Encourage your child to attend teacher office hours or make-up sessions when possible. For students with an IEP or 504 Plan, request accommodations like reduced homework loads or alternative assignments that support learning without overwhelming them. Stay informed about assignment postings through online portals and communicate regularly with teachers.
6. What to Do If Your Child Falls Below the 90% Threshold
If your child’s attendance drops below 90%, act quickly. Request a meeting with the school principal or attendance committee to explain the reasons behind the absences and to present all relevant documentation. Bring doctor’s notes, IEP or 504 Plan details, and any other proof that supports your case. During the meeting, propose a recovery plan that includes options like extra assignments, attendance at tutorials, or participation in summer school.
The school may send a formal notice requiring a written explanation or an in-person discussion if your child has missed more than 25% of a class. Being prepared with clear documentation and a willingness to collaborate shows you’re committed to helping your child succeed.
7. How Disability Supports Can Help
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, make sure it includes:
- Accommodations for attendance, such as excused absences for flare-ups or anxiety episodes
- Modified workloads or alternate formats for missed assignments
- Plans for homebound instruction if absences are prolonged
Ask for:
- A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) if refusal to attend school is due to emotional or behavioral issues
- A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to support consistent attendance
8. When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go to School
If anxiety, depression, sensory challenges, or bullying is the reason your child avoids school, it’s essential to:
- Document behaviors and symptoms at home
- Consult a therapist who can evaluate and support school reintegration
You can also:
- Ask for positive behavioral interventions (PBIs)
- Use social stories or exposure strategies to rebuild tolerance for school attendance
- Set short-term goals with rewards to rebuild confidence
Conclusion: Absences Don’t Have to Mean Setbacks
While Texas has strict school attendance laws, families of children with disabilities have options. By building a paper trail, staying engaged, and advocating early, you can protect your child’s academic future.
Absences are not the end of your child’s story—they’re a signal to collaborate, adapt, and find solutions that work. You are not alone, and there are systems in place to help you navigate these challenges without legal or academic harm.
