A student is absent from school if they do not attend a class that they are registered to attend. Oklahoma schools are bound by law to keep records of student attendance. Students who are excessively absent will be reported to the district attorney's office. Students will also be marked absent if they are tardy for two classes. Being tardy is defined as not being in class when the last bell has sounded and the class has begun.
All children between the ages of 5 and 18 are compelled by law to attend school. Children between the age of 12 and 18 can choose to stop attending school only after completing four years of high school education. A child of 16 years can stop attending school with the written permission of a school administrator and the parents or guardians.
Students can be excused from school in the event of an illness or a death in the family. However this can require a doctor's written exemption, or documentation confirming the death. Exemptions do not include family trips, but will be given for school trips or for students to attend a course recognized by the Department of Education. Online courses approved by the department can also be attended in lieu of school.
When a pupil has been absent for a total of 10 school days without valid exemption, this is considered to be excessively absent and requires disciplinary action, such as suspension or expulsion. This will have a negative effect on a child's education and can make it impossible for them to pass. The assistant principal is charged with attendance and can choose to take stronger action. He can petition the court for intervention and your child will have to make a court appearance. There have been cases where students have been detained in correctional facilities for repeated absences. Students who are caught skipping school can be arrested and held in detention until a parent or guardian can be located. Children can only be held in court-sanctioned shelters or juvenile facilities. They cannot be detained in adult detention facilities. If convicted of truancy, students can be sentenced to community service, not exceeding 90 days, or fined. Parents who are found to not have taken adequate action to compel their children to attend school can be fined or even jailed.