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Advocates and educators urge repeal of 'Learn Fair' attendance sanctions in Massachusetts
Summary
Legal-aid groups, superintendents and education advocates testified that the 'Learn Fair' law unfairly cuts cash assistance to families for student absenteeism; supporters said it disproportionately affects students with disabilities and families of color and urged favorable action on H210.
Supporters of House Bill 210 told the Joint Committee the state's 'Learn Fair' policy — which allows the Department of Transitional Assistance to reduce cash benefits for families when a student has too many unexcused absences — causes harm and administrative burden without evidence of improving attendance.
Betsy Gwyn and Tasmeah Ahmed of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute described how data sharing between DESE and DTA leads to mistaken…
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