SB347 Summary

• Increases the mandatory school attendance age from 17 to 18 years old, requiring children to attend public, private, church school, or receive private tutoring through age 18.

• Students who turn 18 during a school year must remain enrolled for the entire length of that school year.

• Allows students over age 18 to withdraw from school prior to graduation only with written parental consent and completion of an exit interview where consequences of early withdrawal are discussed.

• Clarifies that students may be sent to alternative schools if their conduct or behavior violates the local board of education's code of conduct, and prohibits this from preventing boards from establishing attendance policies for alternative schools.

• Requires the State Department of Education to work with school systems having the lowest graduation rates by implementing dropout prevention strategies including early intervention, alternative education programs, advanced placement courses, and targeted support for at-risk students.