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HB 1788

School Performance and Support Framework; certain excused student absences excluded, etc.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bobby Orrock

HB 1788 excludes specified excused absences from school performance metrics, potentially improving rating calculations but raising concerns about reduced accountability transparency.

Incorporated by Education (HB1769-Martinez) (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 1788

Legislative bill overview

HB 1788 modifies Virginia's school performance evaluation framework by excluding certain excused student absences from calculations used to assess school performance metrics. The bill was incorporated into HB 1769, meaning its provisions are being advanced as part of a broader education bill rather than as standalone legislation.

Why is this important

School performance ratings directly affect school funding, teacher evaluations, and public perception of educational quality. By excluding excused absences from performance calculations, the bill could improve apparent school performance metrics while potentially masking underlying attendance issues that affect student outcomes and school accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability concerns: Excluding excused absences may obscure chronic absenteeism patterns and reduce transparency about genuine school performance, making it harder for parents and policymakers to identify struggling schools
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends on how "excused absences" are defined—broad definitions could allow schools to reclassify problematic absences as excused, while narrow ones may have minimal impact
  • Equity implications: Schools serving disadvantaged populations often have higher absence rates; this change could disproportionately benefit or penalize specific communities depending on implementation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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