Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.
The implementation of HB 823 could lead to significant changes in how schools identify and support students who are chronically absent. This recognition aims to reduce dropout rates by ensuring that schools not only track attendance but also employ targeted strategies to engage these students. The bill mandates reporting on the number of chronically absent students, which will help districts gather data needed to inform educational policies and practices, making them more responsive to student needs.
House Bill 823 focuses on the inclusion of chronically absent students as a category of students at risk of dropping out of school. The bill seeks to amend the Education Code, specifically Section 29.081, to redefine the parameters of what constitutes a student at risk, adding chronic absenteeism to the list of risk factors. By doing so, the bill aims to enhance awareness and resources targeted at addressing the needs of these students, facilitating interventions designed to improve attendance and educational outcomes.
While the bill is generally seen as a positive step towards addressing dropout prevention, some points of contention could arise regarding the adequacy of resources allocated to support these interventions. Educators and administrators may express concerns about how to effectively implement these changes without additional funding or resources. Potential debates may also focus on how schools can balance the need for strict attendance measures with understanding the underlying reasons behind chronic absenteeism, which may include issues related to socioeconomic status, health, or transportation.