This bill aims to clarify the recording and reporting requirements for student attendance in public schools in New Jersey. It establishes that students must be categorized as present, absent for an excused absence, absent for a State-excused absence, or absent for an unexcused absence. The bill defines excused absences to include instances related to physical health, mental or behavioral health, required court attendance, or a death in the family. It mandates that students with excused absences be allowed to make up missed schoolwork and that such absences will not affect their eligibility for awards or recognition based on attendance. Additionally, students must provide appropriate documentation to validate their excused absences, with specific provisions for mental health-related absences.

Furthermore, the bill outlines six categories of State-excused absences, including religious observances and participation in certain school-related activities. It requires school districts to report attendance data in accordance with the new categories for School Report Cards and clarifies that excused absences will count towards chronic absenteeism reporting, while State-excused absences will not. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with developing guidance on these reporting requirements. The bill also amends existing laws to ensure that attendance records reflect these changes and establishes that unexcused absences contribute to determining truancy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7E-3