Attendance Matters

90% Attendance Rule For Credit

Texas Education Code Section 25.092 ~ MINIMUM ATTENDANCE FOR CLASS CREDIT OR FINAL GRADE

What Does The 90% Rule Mean For Your Child?
  • In addition to Texas compulsory attendance laws, districts are required to enforce the 90% rule which states that students in grades Kindergarten through 12th must attend a class for 90% of the time it is offered to receive credit or a final grade. This rule applies even if your child has an IEP or 504 Plan. 
  • The average school year is 180 days. This means your child can only miss 18 days (or parts of a day) of school or 18 days (or parts of a day) of a specific class. If the school is on a semester schedule, this number is cut in half. 
  • A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent, but less than 90 percent, of the days a class is offered, may be given credit or a final grade if the student completes a plan approved by the principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class.
  • The 90 percent rule applies to all absences (excluding those exempt by law), including excused absences.
  • For elementary students, this means they could repeat a grade if they are in school less than 90% of school days.

Which Absences are Exempt From The 90% Rule?

State law allows for exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences if the student makes up all assigned work and turns in the appropriate documentation. In addition, the appointment must be for the student. The following activities are exempt:

All Grade Levels
  • Religious Holy Day
  • Required Court Appearance
  • Activities Related to US Citizenship
  • Documented Health Care Appointments (must attend school on the same day as the appointment)
  • Students in the Conservatorship of the State
  • Students of Military Families
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