Which type of absence counts towards the calculation of Average Daily Attendance?

The calculation of Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is primarily concerned with measuring the number of students present in school compared to the total enrolled during a given period. For this metric, specific types of absences are treated differently based on the policies governing attendance.

Absences due to illness directly impact attendance figures, as they represent students who are unable to participate in school activities due to health reasons. The same logic applies to absences for family emergencies, where students might miss school due to unforeseen personal circumstances. Both types of absences are accounted for when determining overall attendance rates.

Suspensions, however, are generally treated as disciplinary actions rather than legitimate absences caused by unavoidable circumstances. Therefore, while a student may not be present at school during a suspension, this absence is not typically included in ADA calculations as it reflects a consequence rather than an absence due to health or personal matters.

Thus, the most appropriate understanding is that both illness and family emergencies significantly affect average daily attendance figures as they reflect the need for inclusivity in recognizing valid reasons for student absence.