Raises age requirement of compulsory school attendance from 16 to 18 years old.
The proposed change to the compulsory school attendance age is significant as it mandates that every parent, guardian, or custodian of a child aged six to 18 ensure that the child attends school regularly until graduation. This is a meaningful shift from the previous requirement, established in 1914, which allowed students to drop out at 16. The legislation aligns with the New Jersey Constitution, which mandates the provision of a thorough and efficient system of free public education for children aged five to 18.
S273, introduced in New Jersey, seeks to amend the state's compulsory education laws by raising the age requirement for compulsory school attendance from 16 years to 18 years. This legislation is sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner and is designed to extend the period during which children are required to attend school, thereby potentially improving educational outcomes. The bill stipulates that the new age requirement will first apply to children who are in the eighth grade at the time of the bill's enactment, emphasizing the long-term focus on improving youth education in the state.
While support for S273 is rooted in the belief that extending compulsory education can lead to better educational achievements and reduce dropout rates, there are potential points of contention. Some legislators may argue that the bill could impose undue restrictions on students who might be better served by alternative educational routes or vocational training at a younger age. Opponents may also raise concerns about enforcement and the implications for families and schools in terms of resources and responsibilities.