School is a haven for many students. It can be a place of safety, SEL supports and food security. During these challenging times, research from others confirms that attending school in person leads to better outcome. Kuddos to the Georgia State Senate who is looking at a bill to raise the mandatory school attendance age from 16 to 17.
Currently students can legally drop out from school at 16, even if they have not attained their high school diploma. Keeping kids in school one year longer will increase their chances of graduating, and having a high school diploma is associated with a myriad of better lifelong outcomes, higher earnings, lower incarceration rates, etc. So, while raising the school age will not resolve all reasons a student drops out, it does give schools one more year to hopefully re-engage with disconnected student.
Editor’s Note: SI&A provides anti-truancy and attendance supports, you can request more information at helpdesk@sia-us.com.
