Texas amends attendance laws for chronic absenteeism and dropout recovery programs

On January 29, 2025, Texas Senate Bill 991 was introduced in the Texas State Legislature, aiming to address chronic absenteeism in schools and enhance educational support for at-risk students. The bill proposes significant amendments to the Education Code, particularly focusing on the identification and reporting of chronically absent students and the availability of school counselors.

One of the primary objectives of Senate Bill 991 is to redefine and clarify the criteria for identifying "chronically absent students." Under the proposed legislation, a student will be classified as chronically absent if they miss more than 10% of the required instructional time within a school year or an enrollment period exceeding 30 instructional days. This change seeks to provide a clearer framework for schools to monitor attendance and implement necessary interventions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools report detailed information regarding their student populations. This includes data on students with dyslexia, the availability of full-time equivalent school counselors, and the number of students receiving intervention strategies. Notably, the bill emphasizes the need for schools to track students who fail to attend school without excuse for 10 or more days within a six-month period, thereby holding institutions accountable for addressing attendance issues.

The introduction of Senate Bill 991 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and education advocates. Proponents argue that the bill is a crucial step toward improving student outcomes and reducing dropout rates, particularly for vulnerable populations. They emphasize that increased accountability and support for at-risk students can lead to better educational attainment and long-term benefits for the state.

However, the bill has also faced opposition. Critics express concerns about the potential burden on school districts to comply with the extensive reporting requirements and the implications for students who may face punitive measures for absenteeism. Some argue that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of absenteeism, such as socioeconomic factors, rather than solely on attendance metrics.

The economic implications of Senate Bill 991 are significant, as chronic absenteeism is linked to lower academic performance and higher dropout rates, which can ultimately affect the workforce and economy of Texas. By addressing these issues, the bill aims to foster a more educated population, which is essential for the state's future growth and competitiveness.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the bill's progress and potential amendments. The outcome of Senate Bill 991 could have lasting effects on Texas's educational landscape, shaping policies that impact student attendance and support systems in schools across the state.