New jersey schools have a chronic absenteeism problem — Empty Classroom - File Photo - Bigstock Photo

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate Education Committee has advanced Senate Bill No. 3776, which would create a “Chronic Absenteeism Task Force” to study and address rising rates of absenteeism in the state’s public schools.

As amended, the task force will consist of 18 members, including the Commissioner of Education or a designee; four members of the public with expertise on the issue; four members appointed by legislative leaders; and 13 members from the education community appointed by the Governor, including a representative from the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association.

The task force will examine and compare current and pre-pandemic absenteeism data, analyze the root causes of absenteeism — such as barriers to attendance, student disengagement, and aversion to school — and review the effects of mental health issues and school climate on absenteeism rates. Additionally, the group will assess the impact of absences related to COVID-19 and school discipline policies, research best practices from other states, and recommend strategies for increasing family engagement to help reduce absenteeism.

Report due within six months

The task force is required to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within six months of its formation. The task force will dissolve 30 days after the report is issued.

State law currently defines a chronically absent student as one who misses 10 percent or more of the 180-day school year. Data from the 2022-2023 school year showed New Jersey’s chronic absenteeism rate at 16.6 percent, a sharp increase from 10.6 percent in the 2018-2019 school year before the pandemic. More than 20 percent of students missed over 15 days of school during the most recent academic year.

Research indicates that chronic absenteeism can negatively affect students’ reading skills, academic achievement, and likelihood of graduating from high school.

The bill now moves forward in the legislative process as New Jersey officials seek long-term solutions to address absenteeism’s impact on student performance.

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