Oh, my mind went on a rollercoaster ride when I read about the project Dallas district officials are piloting to address chronic truants.

On the one hand, I thought the GPS tracking units that are tethered to a handful of consistently M.I.A. students was a unique and innovative way to keep kids from dropping out.

According to a study by America’s Promise Alliance, a collaborative founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, more than one million students drop out from high school annually, with Dallas boasting the seventh-worst graduation rate among America’s 50 largest cities.

And with higher unemployment, crime, and health issues attributed to those without high school diplomas, one can almost justify the radical approach Dallas is taking to avert what ultimately impacts everyone in the community … almost.

Because, while the district’s initiative was unique (they are the only school system in the country experimenting with this strategy) and proactive, I felt what they were doing was draconian and a bit Big Brother.

It is surely a desperate measure, but I wonder: Are we in desperate times?

Naomi Dillon, Senior Editor