District Of Columbia Council Bill B25-0754

District Of Columbia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/24
• Refer: 4/2/24

Caption

Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Reduction Amendment Act of 2024

Notes

As the bill moves forward, discussions are anticipated about how best to implement these interventions and funding structures in a way that genuinely supports at-risk students and their families, ensuring that the aims of the bill translate into effective and equitable student experiences.

Impact

The bill also introduces a new funding category specifically designed to support schools experiencing high rates of chronic absenteeism, making sure these schools receive adequate financial resources to tackle the issue. It mandates that schools intervene after a student accumulates five unexcused absences, requiring them to develop a plan to address attendance issues before referring the student to child protective services. This approach underscores the importance of early intervention in fostering student engagement and attendance.

Summary

B25-0754, also known as the Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Reduction Amendment Act of 2024, aims to address the rising rates of chronic absenteeism and truancy in District schools. The bill proposes that schools with chronic absenteeism rates above 20% be prioritized for the Safe Passages Safe Blocks program, which provides safe routes and adult supervision for students during school hours. This initiative reflects the understanding that unsafe travel conditions and neighborhood violence often contribute to student absences. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of a safe environment for students to learn, highlighting the connection between attendance and academic success.

Contention

Notably, the legislation is expected to centralize some authority, allowing school principals to allocate additional funding at their discretion in consultation with local advisory teams. This provision aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding how funds related to at-risk and chronically absent students are utilized. However, it may raise concerns about whether all schools are adequately supported in this effort considering the diverse needs of student populations and varying levels of parental involvement. Additionally, the focus on attendance might lead to scrutiny of disciplinary policies and their impacts on student well-being.