Bill > S437

This bill addresses dropout prevention and student recovery through several key provisions. It mandates that all children under 18 must attend school until they graduate from high school, reinforcing compulsory education requirements. The bill establishes a 3-year pilot program administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will provide competitive grants to school districts and local community agencies with high dropout rates. The program focuses on supporting students at risk of dropping out through four primary strategies: alternative education programs with evidence-based instruction, graduation coaches who provide personalized academic and career guidance, dropout outreach and recovery programs to re-engage out-of-school youth, and support for expectant and parenting students. The pilot program includes comprehensive support mechanisms like flexible scheduling, academic planning, family engagement, and social service referrals. Participating districts must collect and report detailed data on student progress, and the department is required to submit annual reports analyzing the program's implementation and effectiveness, with a final report recommending whether the program should be expanded, maintained, or discontinued. The bill repeals a previous act and is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with implementation subject to appropriate funding.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S437