HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

149th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 23

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 27, Title 14 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strikethrough and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 2702. Compulsory attendance requirements; evaluation of readiness ; exit interview .

(h) A child over the age of 16 may withdraw from public school prior to graduation if both of the following circumstances exist:

(1) Written consent is granted by the child’s parent or guardian.

(2) An exit interview is conducted where the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian have been advised that withdrawal from school shall likely reduce the student’s future earning potential and increase the student’s likelihood of being unemployed in the future. During the exit interview, the student who is withdrawing from school shall be given information that has been prepared and supplied by the Department regarding the detrimental impacts and effects of early withdrawal from school, along with any available information about training and employment opportunities. The school and the student and the student's parent or legal guardian shall also evaluate any available support services, interventions or programs that might assist the student in remaining enrolled until graduation.

SYNOPSIS

This Act requires that any student over the age of 16 who wishes to leave school prior to graduation must obtain the written consent of the parent or guardian, and attend an exit interview where information is supplied regarding the likelihood of diminished earning potential and the increased likelihood of unemployment associated with dropping out. The school is also directed to explore whether there are support services, interventions or programs that might assist the student in remaining enrolled. The intent is to lower the dropout rate and encourage students to complete high school.