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Advocates and educators urge repeal of 'Learn Fair' attendance sanctions in Massachusetts

Joint Committee on Children and Families and Persons with Disabilities · November 18, 2025
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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 sanction notices and creates a paper-chase for families to prove excused absences. "Schools' attendance policies vary by district," Gwyn said, adding that inconsistent reporting can lead to sanctions for reasons outside family control.

Attorneys and advocates from Greater Boston Legal Services and the Center for Law and Education recounted client stories in which benefits were cut while families faced crises such as abuse, illness or immigration enforcement. One witness said more than 700 children had cash assistance reduced under the policy in the 2024–25 school year.

School leaders including Salem Superintendent Steven Zreich testified that targeted, supportive interventions rather than punitive financial penalties reduce chronic absenteeism. "Blunt punishment has never worked in our profession," Zreich said, citing successful community engagement and programming in Salem that lowered chronic absenteeism.

Supporters asked the committee to repeal the statute and replace punitive sanctions with evidence‑based attendance strategies and improved data and communication between agencies. No formal committee vote was taken at the hearing; members asked follow‑up questions about data flows between DESE and DTA and the mechanics of sanction notices.

Ending note: The committee invited written testimony and follow-up from DTA on data-sharing processes.