Ruth Nelson

My name is Ruth Nelson, and I have been a secondary educator in New Hampshire for 40 years. At the beginning of my tenure, high school students were often absent from classes due to field trips and family planned outings. These absences were for any of numerous reasons and were not counted against students because they were planned in advance and the destinations were seen as both important and educational. The outings could be anything from visiting historical sites and museums, to touring the State House, watching legislative sessions, and/or observing activities outside and around Concord, Manchester, and even our tri-towns (Tilton, Northfield, Sanbornton). As years have passed and there have been fewer and less opportunities for student field trips and interactions in educational and informational programming, students have been left to their own devices to be part of events they (and their parents) have deemed important to their learning experiences. The catch has been that many of these days and outings have been reclassified and often counted "against" a student's attendance history. Eventually, these absences would interfere with the student's academic progression and cause more stress and upset merely due to change from a "school planned absence" to a "private student/family" event. It is my belief that technical and civic educational opportunities should always be afforded importance and legitimacy in terms of a student's learning. Therefore, this type of absence should not count "against" a student's absentee record. Perhaps these "field trips" could have a designated assignment that helps show what the student learned or observed? Something that shows the event was truly worthy of the time off. And then, neither the student nor the school would have to worry about the day missing and whether the absence should be excused. I believe this bill will be helpful to students with interests and focus on areas not always in the mainstream of educational programs. Their opportunities may be more limited in this time when planned field trips and events are fewer in scope and sequence. Allowing students the time and exposure to educational events important to their areas of expertise and interest, without the worries of unexcused absences and the circumstances they may create, will greatly enhance their overall learning. Sincerely, Ruth E Nelson NH Certified Teacher Secondary English and Special Education