Attendance, Dress Code & Discipline:
Attendance, dress code, and discipline policies are governance decisions that directly impact student engagement, school culture, and academic success. At First State Educate, we support school leaders in using data and best practices to design fair, consistent policies that promote belonging, reduce barriers to learning, and strengthen outcomes for students across Delaware’s public schools.
This page features national policy news and research related to school climate and discipline to help you stay informed about trends, best practices, and emerging issues. Read the article summaries and access the articles via the buttons below. Explore current conversations, understand how other states and districts are approaching these topics, and consider how these insights may inform governance decisions in Delaware.
North Carolina - Cumberland County
Strengthening high school attendance policies while addressing barriers families face.
Louisiana– Caddo Parish Public Schools
The Caddo School Board is reviewing revisions to staff attendance and sick leave policies to address high absenteeism and improve operational continuity. Proposed updates include allowing rollover of unused sick days, clarifying attendance expectations, and adjusting incentive-based pay structures for staff.
Illinois — Carl Sandburg High School
Focusing on real-world readiness and academic integrity through updated expectations.
Louisiana– Jefferson Parish Public Schools
The board approved new dress code requirements that go into effect for the2025–26 school year. Changes include stricter skirt length requirements—no shorter than two inches above the knee—and a mandate for clear or mesh bags for students in grades 4–12, aimed at enhancing school safety.
Florida — State Legislation
Proposed law calls for statewide alignment and stronger parent engagement.
Louisiana– Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS)
LPSS approved changes allowing black and blue jeans for all grade levels and clarified hoodie rules: hoods are permitted for Pre-K–5 but prohibited for grades 6–12. The new policy will take effect in the 2025–26 school year and aims to promote consistency and safety across campuses.