Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent and truant students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.
What changed between versions
Updated the definition of 'student at risk of dropping out of school' in Section 29.081(d) to include clearer criteria for students who have not advanced grades, failed to maintain academic averages, or failed assessments.
Added new eligibility categories for at-risk students including those enrolled in dropout recovery schools and those required to attend school under specific provisions who fail to attend without excuse.
Added new reporting requirements in Section 48.009 to collect and report data on truancy prevention measures, attendance complaints, and specific student populations including those in high school equivalency programs.
Added a new subsection (c-1) requiring the agency to annually aggregate and publicly make available data on truancy and chronic absenteeism at campus and district levels.
Clarified the definition of 'chronically absent student' and 'full-time equivalent school counselor' in Section 48.009.
Set the effective date of the Act to September 1, 2025.
