Zalkind, Cecelia, Mary Coogan and Robert Sterling. This second analysis of data collected by the New Jersey Department of Education finds that roughly 136,000, or more than one in 10 New Jersey students from kindergarten through 12th grade were chronically absent during the 2014-15 school year. The report breaks down rates by district and county, and looks at rates of chronic absenteeism by race, income and disability. Poor attendance in New Jersey remained highest in kindergarten and in high school. The report highlights success stories from three districts, discusses state and federal initiatives to drive down chronic absenteeism and offers key recommendations.