Chronic absenteeism is described as a student that misses 10% or more of instructional time within an academic year for any reason. In the state of Texas, 12.8% of students are chronically absent from school and that percentage keeps growing. In 2022 alone, Americans averaged 1.6 million absences per month, approximately 19 million missed days of work annually.
Texas schools are losing 1 in every 5 students because of the high dropout rates. In the last 33 years, Texas has lost a total of 4 million students in public schools.
One of the reasons Texas has such a high dropout rate is because of the ongoing student mental health crisis. Rising rates of depression and anxiety in students have caused many to drop education. The pandemic has intensified the crisis with 25% of students experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Those that do graduate, however, are often turning college down. Less than a quarter of high school graduates consider getting a college degree as a priority over the next few years. More than half of high school students either have no plans of attending college or are unsure that they will ever attend. Graduates are more likely to prioritize their mental and financial stability over obtaining a college degree.
Student suspensions are also an ongoing issue. In Texas, nearly 60% of 7th to 12th graders have been suspended. The most common reasons for suspension are fighting and disrespecting teachers.
Because of chronic absenteeism, increasing dropout rates, students turning college down, and increasing suspensions, paying students to go to school is being discussed as an option.
The pay would not be enough to sustain a family however, it would serve as an incentive for students to go to school. Wages are still being discussed and will vary by state or district.
In 1997, Mexico operated a successful program in which they paid children to go to school. The researchers saw huge improvements in school attendance. They noticed an increase in school participation and motivation from the students.
The idea is not new and its benefits have been evaluated by many research groups. A Massachusetts school is offering students up to $500 for having perfect attendance. Other schools have offered rewards such as gift cards, memberships, and even a car for the student that has perfect attendance.
The implementation of paying students to go to school would be a benefit since it would encourage many to continue their education and try harder in classes. This plan would have to be carefully crafted to ensure its success.
Many schools have failed in their implementation because they either offer too little of a reward or too much to the point it is not sustainable. Incentives are offered in every field at some point in people’s careers. Giving students the same opportunities is the natural path and would encourage learning.
If planned properly, paying students to go to school could reduce chronic absenteeism, dropout rates, students turning college down, and suspension rates.
