Georgia lawmakers are set to tackle the persistent issue of chronic absenteeism in schools with a joint meeting announced for later this month. The Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools and the House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education are poised to come together on Monday, September 22, at 1:00 p.m. This collaboration at 341 State Capitol, in the heart of Atlanta, marks a collective effort to more clearly understand and more effectively respond to the factors keeping students away from school.
The meeting, chaired by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) and Rep. Chris Erwin (R–Homer) respectively, plans to openly dissect the causes behind chronic absenteeism and to look at its long-term consequences. According to a Senate press release, the event will "examine the root causes and long-term impacts of chronic absenteeism among Georgia students." With the steady recognition that attendance plays a critical role in student success, the committees' work could be seen as a vital part to ensure children not only show up but also thrive in their educational environments.
The gathering isn't staying behind closed doors either; anyone interested can attend in person or tune in live. The session will be streamed directly from the Georgia General Assembly's website. This openness is a nod to the broad relevance of the issue at hand, inviting community members and stakeholders to witness the proceedings firsthand and become participants in the dialogue surrounding education in Georgia.
