Modifies provisions relating to age for school attendance
The proposed changes would significantly impact state laws concerning education and attendance requirements. By raising the compulsory attendance age, the bill aims to promote higher educational achievement among teenagers and reduce truancy. Schools and parents will be held accountable for compliance with these provisions, with specific requirements laid out for homeschooling as well. This legislation is expected to create a more structured framework for academic accountability from an early age, which proponents argue is necessary for improving public education standards in Missouri.
House Bill 1802 seeks to amend the existing laws regarding school attendance in Missouri by raising the compulsory attendance age to eighteen. It repeals previous sections that defined the compulsory attendance age and introduces new provisions that mandate attendance for children aged five to eighteen or until they graduate from high school. The bill requires parents or guardians to ensure children are enrolled in and regularly attending an educational program that complies with the new mandates. This initiative aims to address educational outcomes and reduce dropout rates by holding parents responsible for their children's schooling.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB1802 include concerns from various stakeholders regarding the responsibilities placed on parents and guardians. Critics argue that this legislation could pose challenges for families, particularly those facing economic difficulties, as it mandates consistent educational attendance without considering individual circumstances. Additionally, there are discussions about how this bill may affect parental choice in education, especially among families who opt for homeschooling. The balance between ensuring educational access and parental rights remains a critical topic in the discourse surrounding this bill.