Sen. Monning proposes law mandating report on rates of chronic truancy
Sen. Bill Monning
On Monday, local Sen. Bill Monning, D-Carmel, joined with state Attorney General Kamala Harris to introduce legislation that will require the attorney general’s Office to investigate and annually report on chronic truancy and absenteeism in California’s elementary schools. Monning is Paso Robles’ representative to the California State Senate.
“Consistent attendance in elementary schools is crucial to the development of the youngest Californians and is a major predictor of success in later educational endeavors” said Monning. “It is crucial that we provide both policy makers and education leaders with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about this difficult issue.”
SB 1107 will require the attorney general to annually report on rates of chronic truancy and absenteeism at the state and local levels; the success of intervention efforts; the outcomes from referrals to school attendance review boards, mediations, diversion programs, and district attorney prosecutions; and recommendations on prevention policies and best practices.
Monning went on to say, “The attorney general’s comprehensive report on truancy and chronic absenteeism was a first step in confronting this chronic issue. I am proud to be partnering with Attorney General Harris to ensure that reducing rates of truancy and absenteeism for elementary school students remains a statewide priority.”
SB 1107 is part of a five bill package put forward this year by Attorney General Harris and stems from the success of the AG’s 2013 report titled, “In School + On Track,” which revealed that schools lose close to $1.4 billion a year in funding from absent students, and that 38% of truant students in California are elementary school students.
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