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Bill

HB 2236

Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Harold Dutton

Texas bill classifies chronically absent students as at-risk and mandates schools collect and report absence data to improve dropout prevention efforts.

Referred to Public Education
#dropouts&at-riskstudents(s0088) #educationagency #texas(v9941) #education--primary&secondary--admission&attendance(i0227) #minors--juvenilejustice(i0534)
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Bill Summary · HB 2236

Legislative bill overview

HB 2236 proposes to classify chronically absent students as "at-risk" students under Texas education law and requires schools to collect and report data on chronic absenteeism. This would formally recognize chronic absence as an indicator of dropout risk alongside existing risk factors like low test scores or grade retention.

Why is this important

Chronic absenteeism is a well-documented predictor of academic failure and dropout. By designating these students as "at-risk," schools would be required to provide targeted interventions and support services already mandated for other at-risk populations. The data collection requirement would create accountability and help identify districts struggling with attendance patterns.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource burden: Schools may face increased costs providing interventions to a potentially larger at-risk population without additional funding
  • Definition disputes: Questions about what constitutes "chronic" absence (number of days, percentage of school year) and whether all chronic absences indicate genuine dropout risk versus temporary family circumstances
  • Causation vs. correlation: Debate over whether chronic absence causes dropout risk or is merely a symptom of underlying issues (poverty, learning disabilities, mental health) that require different solutions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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