Academic Achievement and Attendance Incentive Act

Education
1

Academic Achievement and Attendance Incentive Act

Purpose:
To promote academic excellence, regular school attendance, and active parental involvement in low-income communities by providing financial incentives and a homeownership lottery for families whose children consistently earn high grades and maintain consistent attendance. This act encourages parents to take an active role in supporting their children’s education and long-term success.

Why This is Important:
Research shows that strong academic performance and consistent school attendance are critical predictors of a child’s future success, leading to better career opportunities, higher income levels, and greater social mobility. Parental involvement further amplifies these benefits, as children with engaged parents tend to perform better academically, have higher self-esteem, and experience improved mental and emotional well-being. Low-income families, however, often face unique barriers that can limit academic achievement, such as financial stress, lack of resources, and limited access to educational support. By incentivizing academic excellence and active parental engagement, this policy aims to foster an environment where children in low-income communities can thrive academically and build a strong foundation for future success. Additionally, the homeownership lottery incentivizes family stability and long-term investment in community growth, empowering families with opportunities for economic advancement and housing security.

Section 1: Title and Definitions

  1. Title: This Act shall be known as the Academic Achievement and Attendance Incentive Act.
  2. Definitions:
  • Low-Income Community: A community or region where the average household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Eligible Student: A student in a low-income community who maintains a minimum grade average of A or B (3.0 GPA or higher) and at least 90% attendance for each semester.
  • Eligible Family: Families of eligible students residing in low-income communities, with active parental or guardian involvement in the child’s academic support.

Section 2: Academic and Attendance Incentives

  1. Semester-Based Achievement and Attendance Rewards:
  • Cash Incentives: Eligible families will receive a $500 reward per semester per eligible student who maintains a 3.0 GPA (or equivalent A/B average) and meets the attendance criteria.
  • Families can apply for this incentive by filing a special tax form per semester with proof of eligibility, including the student’s academic record, attendance rate, and evidence of active parental involvement (e.g., parent-teacher meeting attendance, homework support, or educational workshop participation).
  1. End-of-Year Academic Excellence Bonus:
  • Families of eligible students who maintain an A or B average and meet attendance requirements throughout the entire academic year will receive a $1,000 Excellence Bonus per eligible student.
  • This bonus is aimed at supporting families that demonstrate active engagement in their children’s educational success.

Section 3: Attendance and Parental Involvement Requirements

  1. 90% Minimum Attendance Requirement:
  • Eligible students must attend at least 90% of school days each semester to qualify for incentives. This requirement ensures students are consistently present in class while accommodating occasional absences.
  1. Incorporated Excused Absence Policy:
  • Excused absences (e.g., for medical, family, or other legitimate reasons) will not count against the 90% attendance threshold, provided they are documented and approved by the school administration.
  • Only unexcused absences will impact the eligibility threshold, allowing flexibility for families facing legitimate challenges.
  1. Semester Grace Period:
  • Each eligible student is permitted a two-day unexcused grace period per semester without affecting their eligibility for that semester’s incentives. This grace period accounts for unexpected absences.
  1. Parental Involvement Criteria:
  • Parents or guardians must demonstrate active involvement in their child’s education by fulfilling one or more of the following:
    • Attending parent-teacher conferences.
    • Participating in school-related events or volunteering.
    • Providing regular homework assistance or using educational resources.
  • Schools will provide parents with options and guidance to meet this requirement, encouraging a stronger home-to-school connection.

Section 4: Homeownership Lottery Incentive

  1. Homeownership Lottery for Eligible Families:
  • Families with eligible students will be entered into a lottery that awards $150,000 toward homeownership or mortgage assistance. This lottery will be drawn annually, with one prize awarded per 100,000 eligible families.
  • Funds from the lottery can be used for a down payment, home purchase, or to pay down an existing mortgage.
  1. Additional Lottery Entries for Two-Parent Households:
  • Families with two-parent households will receive two entries into the lottery, enhancing their chances of winning and encouraging family stability and co-parenting support in educational involvement.
  1. Administration of the Lottery:
  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will administer the lottery, working with the Department of Education to verify eligibility based on students’ academic and attendance records, along with documented parental involvement.
  • Lottery funds will be distributed as grants with stipulations to ensure they are applied specifically to homeownership or mortgage expenses.

Section 5: Implementation and Oversight

  1. School Participation and Reporting Requirements:
  • Participating schools in low-income communities will track eligible students’ academic, attendance, and parental involvement records, submitting semester-based reports to the Department of Education for verification and distribution of incentives.
  • Schools will be provided with guidance and support for maintaining accurate records and ensuring eligible families receive their incentives promptly.
  1. Oversight and Impact Reporting:
  • The Department of Education, in collaboration with HUD, will oversee the program, including biannual reviews of program effectiveness and community impact.
  • An annual report on student performance, attendance, family participation rates, and homeownership assistance outcomes will be submitted to Congress to evaluate the program’s impact on academic success, family involvement, and homeownership rates in low-income areas.

Section 6: Funding

  1. Funding Sources:
  • This Act will be funded through a combination of federal educational grants, reallocated funds from existing student aid programs, and contributions from participating state programs.
  • Partnerships with private sector sponsors and local businesses will supplement government funding, particularly for the lottery and homeownership assistance components.
  1. Implementation Timeline:
  • This program shall begin at the start of the next academic year following its passage. Schools will receive guidelines and funding allocations in advance to ensure readiness.

Section 7: Effective Date

  • This Act shall become effective on TBD.

Section 8: Sunset Provision

  • The Act will be subject to review every five years to assess its impact on student academic performance, attendance, family stability, parental involvement, and homeownership rates in low-income areas.