KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: GPS Tracking for Students

GPS Systems can track nearly everything on the planet, so why not have them track kids who are in the habit of skipping classes?  The Anaheim Union High School District in California is testing a GPS system to keep track of those who skip class.  Seventh and eighth graders with four or more unexcused absences this school year are required to carry a hand-held GPS device.  The students are then expected to ender a code at five selected times during the school day to alert school officials of their whereabouts.  Each school morning students also receive a reminder call to wake them up and get them to school.  The device sets up the expectation for students that they have to perform or else they'll be held accountable for their actions.  Without expectations, psychologists say kids won't reach goals.  School administrators in California say it doesn't take long before they see kids making changes for the better.  They say they see troubled students taking pride in their work and having fun doing and being "smart".  The most important thing is that the program gives students who really want it, a second chance.  Even if your school does not have a GPS program in place, experts say if your child is having problems with skipping class, you should talk to your school's guidance counselor to make sure a process is in place to monitor your child.