Us Congress House Bill HR1623

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Caption

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the rate of chronic absenteeism in American schools must urgently be reduced, and for other purposes.

Impact

The resolution calls for collaboration among state and local officials, educators, and community stakeholders to address and reduce chronic absenteeism. By encouraging these groups to work together, the resolution seeks to implement effective strategies and solutions that can mitigate the negative effects of absenteeism on students and communities. The House believes that promoting such cooperation will provide vital support to educators in their efforts to increase student attendance and engagement, thereby positively affecting academic achievement and overall student well-being.

Summary

HR1623 is a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the urgent need to reduce the rate of chronic absenteeism in American schools. The resolution highlights the growing concern over chronic absenteeism, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the issue significantly. It emphasizes that this problem leads to detrimental effects on students' academic performance, health, and social development, particularly among younger grade levels. The resolution acknowledges that chronic absenteeism is defined as missing at least 10 percent of school days without regard to the reason for non-attendance.

Contention

While the bill itself is a statement of intent rather than a regulatory or funding proposal, it underscores the importance of prioritizing attendance within educational policies. Notable points of contention may arise in the form of resource allocation for addressing absenteeism and differing opinions on the most effective methods to achieve improved attendance rates. Some may advocate for increased funding and resources related to mental health and transportation services as a means to facilitate better school attendance, while others may focus on policy changes and community outreach programs as primary solutions.