In a bold move to tackle chronic absenteeism, Detroit Public Schools is offering a unique incentive: up to $1,000 in cash rewards for students with perfect attendance. This initiative, named 'Perfect Attendance Pays', marks the second year of its implementation, aiming to encourage consistent school attendance during the winter months. The program, running from January 5th to March 20th, offers $100 gift cards for every full week of perfect attendance, with a maximum reward of $1,000. This strategy is a response to the alarming rate of absenteeism in Detroit, where over 50% of students regularly miss class, according to the Detroit Partnership for Education Equity and Research. The district emphasizes the importance of regular attendance, citing research that shows students who attend school consistently are more likely to perform at or above grade level and be college-ready. The 'Perfect Attendance Pays' program is a creative approach to addressing a complex issue, inviting families to support their students in overcoming barriers to consistent attendance.
