Should chronic student absenteeism equal loss of credit? I think so!

Here is an interesting article that certainly prompted conversation among my colleagues and I. What do you think? The full article and related topics can be found at: http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=706&sid=1955549#



WASHINGTON - Beginning next school year, Montgomery County students who miss class or show up late won't be penalized with a loss of credit.


Currently, students who have five unexcused absences in a class each semester will automatically fail the class. Showing up late for class 15 times in a single semester will also lead to automatic failure.
But these rules, called the "loss of credit" policy, are going away.


In a memo to the County Board of Education, Schools Superintendent Jerry Weast says grades must be an accurate reflection of student achievement and the current policy contradicts that.


The decision to end the "loss of credit" policy was not taken lightly.


A task force made up of school officials, teachers, parents and students spent 18 months studying the idea before recommending that the "loss of credit" policy be retired.


Because it's a change of school regulations, the school board does not get to vote on the decision.


But board member Laura Berthiaume is concerned.


"The message that may be going out is that you can skip class and that there will be no real consequence," she says.
Kids who skip school will still face non-academic punishment.


Weast's memo says consequences for unexcused absences would range from a minimum of a conference to a maximum of detention. He also says each high school will establish a formal process to promote student attendance.


Berthiaume says the change in policy may give the students who are the least engaged more reason to skip. In addition, she says it could be a "free pass" for bright kids who can get away with missing class and still pass exams.