Another External Motivator

Here’s another tact the State of Maryland is taking to get young people to stay in school. They have decided to withhold the ability to get a drivers license if a student misses more than 10 days of school.

Truant Maryland students could be denied driver’s license
Maryland lawmakers approved a bill that would deny driver’s licenses to students with 10 or more unexcused absences. Under the bill, each student would have to present an attendance record to the state to get a permit, but students who already have a license would not be at risk of losing it. The Washington Post (3/16)

The sponsor of the bill that passed in the House of Delegates said, “This does give us a tool to use to combat truancy,” said Del. Gerron S. Levi (D), the bill’s House sponsor.

Why not give them a reason to go to school rather then a reason to avoid something else?

OK, so let’s see, I have to go to school so I can get my drivers license, but if I come to school I might win an iPod, and, if I pass a certain exam I can make $250, and if I graduate I could possibly win a car. Hmmm. Why do I need to learn anything? I’ll just sit through this whole boring mess and get the money and the perks!

Penalties for Truancy Don't Work