Directs the department of elementary and secondary education to establish a two (2) year pilot outreach and tracking program at two (2) public high schools.
The proposed pilot program will utilize outside providers to implement a comprehensive support system that combines outreach, care coordination, and advocacy for students and their families. The intensive program aims to conduct frequent contacts with students, providing the necessary assistance to address both academic and personal barriers to attendance. This initiative is particularly focused on vulnerable student populations identified by the department, thus highlighting a targeted approach to educational challenges.
House Bill 7289 aims to address issues of student absenteeism in Rhode Island by directing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish a two-year pilot outreach and tracking program. This program will be implemented in two public high schools that are experiencing high rates of absenteeism, with the goal of reducing chronic absenteeism through concentrated community support and targeted interventions. The bill is part of broader efforts to enhance student engagement and improve educational outcomes in the state.
Key points of discussion around HB 7289 include concerns about funding and resource allocation for the pilot program, as well as potential implications for how schools manage attendance issues in the future. Supporters argue that the program could lead to significant improvements in attendance rates, thereby benefiting students' educational experiences. In contrast, skeptics may question the efficacy and long-term impact of such a program, particularly regarding its dependence on external providers and the sustainability of resources over time.