Nevada Education Association backs AB 391 to tackle chronic student absenteeism

During a recent meeting of the Assembly Committee on Education, significant discussions centered around Assembly Bill 391, which aims to require Nevada school districts to report achievement data for students who are chronically absent. Brian Wallace, a teacher and vice president of the Nevada State Education Association, emphasized the urgent need for this legislation, citing that over a quarter of Nevada students were considered chronically absent last year. He highlighted the detrimental effects of absenteeism on academic performance, stating that it leads to gaps in education and increases the workload for teachers, ultimately contributing to educator burnout.

Wallace argued that by segregating achievement data based on attendance, educators and state leaders would gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of classroom instruction and the factors affecting student success. This data could inform strategies to combat chronic absenteeism, which has been linked to lower test scores and disengagement from school.

The meeting also featured testimony from Penny Brock, who expressed opposition to the bill, arguing that the root cause of educational failure lies in the quality of academic instruction rather than absenteeism itself. She called for a focus on improving educational standards to enhance student engagement and performance.

Mary Pirczynski, representing the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, took a neutral stance on the bill, indicating that her organization was still reviewing proposed amendments. She expressed hope for a positive outcome as discussions continue.

The committee did not receive any opposition testimony during the meeting, and the hearing on Assembly Bill 391 was subsequently closed. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of absenteeism in Nevada's education system and the potential for legislative action to address these issues. As the committee moves forward, the implications of this bill could significantly impact how schools approach student attendance and achievement in the future.