Turner Bill To Tackle Chronic Absenteeism In NJ Schools Signed Into Law

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Shirley K. Turner to create the Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to examine the causes of persistent student absences and develop strategies to improve attendance across NJ’s public schools was signed into law.The 18-member task force will include education professionals, school leaders, and parent advocates appointed by the Governor, legislative leadership, and the Commissioner of Education. Public members appointed by the Governor will include representatives recommended by the Jobs for America’s Graduates NJ and the Princeton Area Community Foundation.The task force will study trends in chronic absenteeism, with particular attention to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement.

Estudiantes en un aula de escuela pública de Nueva Jersey. — Estudiantes en un aula de escuela pública. La nueva ley crea un grupo de trabajo de 18 miembros para examinar las causas del ausentismo crónico en las escuelas de Nueva Jersey.

“Chronic absenteeism is one of the most serious challenges facing our schools today, particularly in urban communities where students often face barriers far beyond the classroom. When students are not in school consistently, they miss critical learning opportunities and fall further behind. This law is about understanding the root causes of absenteeism and putting real, practical solutions in place so every child has the support they need to be present, engaged, and successful.”
— State Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer and Hunterdon)

Under the new law, the task force will compare current absenteeism rates with pre-pandemic data. It will conduct a root cause analysis of absences, examining issues such as barriers to attendance, aversion to and disengagement from school, the role of health issues and mental health, school climate, and family and financial struggles. The task force will also review discipline policies and assess how exposure to COVID-19 has affected attendance patterns. It will identify national best practices that can be implemented statewide and develop strategies to strengthen family engagement and promote consistent school attendance.