Relative to dropout prevention and re-engagement
The bill introduces an early warning indicator index system which schools are required to use to identify and track students who are at risk of failing to graduate on time. These schools will need to collect data for this system and will receive guidance and support from the department of elementary and secondary education. Furthermore, the bill creates a funding mechanism for success coaches who will work directly with at-risk students, helping to monitor their progress and connect them to necessary resources, thus significantly impacting how school districts manage dropout-related issues.
Senate Bill S285, titled the Dropout Prevention and Re-engagement Act, focuses on addressing the issue of student dropouts by implementing a structured approach towards prevention and re-engagement, especially for at-risk students. The bill mandates that all children under the age of 18 must attend school if they have not graduated from high school. It seeks to amend existing laws to enhance accountability for school districts in monitoring and supporting students who are at risk of dropping out.
Discussions around S285 could involve the effectiveness and financial implications of implementing success coaches within schools. Critics may argue about the resource allocation and the potential effectiveness of these coaches, questioning whether this approach can realistically address the larger systemic issues contributing to high dropout rates. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding data privacy and the implications of the mandated data collection and tracking systems, particularly how it affects students' rights and school administration burdens.