Designates September of each year as "School Absentee Awareness Month."
Impact
By designating September as 'School Absentee Awareness Month', the initiative seeks to promote strategies that improve student attendance and engagement. It encourages schools, parents, and local communities to collaborate in addressing the underlying systemic barriers that contribute to absenteeism, such as lack of reliable transportation, unstable housing, and insufficient access to healthcare. This collective effort aims to enhance the overall school climate, use positive behavior interventions, and reduce disciplinary actions that may lead to additional instructional time loss.
Summary
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 100 (AJR100) aims to establish September of each year as 'School Absentee Awareness Month' in New Jersey. This resolution is a response to the rising concerns over chronic school absenteeism, which has been identified as a significant barrier to academic achievement. The bill recognizes that absenteeism not only impacts educational outcomes but also correlates with increased dropout rates and juvenile crime, emphasizing the necessity for a heightened awareness of this issue among schools, communities, and policymakers.
Contention
While there may not be significant opposition highlighted in the bill itself, the effectiveness of such resolutions often depends on the willingness of schools and districts to implement proposed strategies. Critics may argue about the feasibility of widespread engagement without dedicated funding or resources, or question the impact of awareness months if concrete actions and support systems are not simultaneously put in place. Therefore, active participation from state educational authorities and community organizations will be vital for the success of this initiative.
Designates month of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Month" in New Jersey; designates last full week of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Week" in New Jersey.