The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) believes consistent school attendance is so important it is willing to pay for it.
In a new incentive program, every high school student who achieves perfect attendance during a two-week cycle consisting of 10 school days will receive a $200 gift card.
According to a district announcement on Jan. 9, direct-payment incentives for perfect attendance are available during the three months of the school year when absences are highest (January-March).
In the announcement, school administrators said they found that their students are three to five times more likely to be at and above grade level on state assessment tests and be college-ready if they are absent 18 days or fewer during the 180-day school year….