SB355 Summary

• Increases compulsory school attendance requirement from ages 6-17 to ages 6-18 years in Alabama public schools.

• Raises the age at which a student may withdraw from public school from 18 to 19 years of age, requiring parental consent and an exit interview documenting the impacts of early withdrawal.

• Allows students under 20 years of age who are on track to graduate to remain enrolled in public school without age-based denial of admission.

• Requires the State Department of Education to develop and implement dropout prevention strategies targeting school systems with the lowest four-year graduation rates, including alternative education programs, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive coaching for at-risk students.

• Mandates the State Department of Education to compile data on truancy suspensions, alternative education enrollment, remedial assistance, and academic performance, and submit annual reports to the Legislature documenting dropout prevention outcomes.