California school district uses GPS to track students who skip class

Washington, Feb 20 (ANI): A California school district is using GPS devices to keep tabs on students who have a penchant for skipping classes.

As part of a volunteer six-week pilot program, the Anaheim Union High School District is outfitting seventh and eighth grade students with more than three unexcused absences this school year with handheld GPS devices, reports Fox News.

According to OC Register, the students then get an automated phone call every school day reminding them to get to school on time and are required to ender a code that tracks their location during their departure for school, arrival at school, lunch period, departure from school and at 8 p.m.

They also get assigned a coach who checks in with them at least three times a day and helps ensure they get to class on time.

In exchange for their participation, students avoid other consequences like continuation school or prosecution, the paper reported.

About 75 students are taking part in the roughly 18,000-dollars program, which is funded by a state grant.

After the six weeks, district officials will determine whether to expand the program to high schools and other junior highs. (ANI)