Louisiana’s growing problem with student truancy requires state leaders to consider sweeping changes, including stricter rules on student attendance, requiring students to wear badges to track attendance and yanking the driver’s license of those who repeatedly miss school, according to a state task force.
The 16-member panel was formed just before educators learned that 4 in 10 students are classified as truant and that the rate has risen 22% in the past five years.
The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is set to consider the issue when it meets Jan. 17.
