Letters to the Editor
We need a better attendance policy
May 22, 2008 9:18 AM
To the Editor:
With the intense clamor for improving the quality of education focused on standardized tests and other “objective” data, perhaps it is time to revisit student attendance requirements? Telling students, teachers, administrators and parents that students cannot be failed for attendance problems alone sends all parties the wrong message. Establishing a reasonable and specific classroom attendance policy would send the right message to all concerned parties about the importance of simply being there.
A reasonable policy that excuses medical and family emergencies could easily be established. The laxity of our present system doesn’t serve the interests of our students. In taking on such a fight, the UFT would most likely lose but, then again, sometimes when you lose you win.
Larry Hoffner, LaGuardia HS
