In the age of H1N1 flu concerns, should high schools suspend policies that allow seniors with good attendance to skip some exams?
As noted in today's article by Anne Blythe, high schools typically reward seniors who have good attendance by allowing them to skip some final exams. For instance in some courses, a student with an "A" average in a class and less than three absences can skip that particular final exam.
But the attendance incentive can conflict with messages telling students not to come to school if they're feeling sick.
Coincidentally, Supt. Del Burns has stressed the importance of good attendance in this and this recent Superintendent's Journal entries.
Comments
You've got to be kidding!
Tue, 09/29/2009 - 12:15 — louiselee44You mean that a student can have a "C" average and still skip a final exam? No matter what their attendance record, that is preposterous in my opinion
It's not just the exemption
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 22:05 — momof2goodboysIt's not just because of the exemption. Kids go to school sick in all grades because it is so hard to make up all the work missed! It is especially hard in high school due to block scheduling.
exemptions are a privilege
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 16:21 — twoteachersIssues come up every year about test exemptions. The bottom line is that it is a privilege/reward for good attendance along with the grades. Unfortunately things happen such as illness, funerals, etc. Having to take exams is not a punishment, but good preparation for college.
The rules need to be the same every year or don't have exemptions and take away the reward.
Parents today are teaching their kids that they are entitled to everything. It needs to stop.
Thank you!!! I was just
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 18:59 — dryeraseuserThank you!!! I was just speaking of this issue with kids and "entitlement" they seem to have this day and time. Everything seems to need to be rewarded. It is so sad and pathetic all at the same time. You would actually be shocked by the kids who feel entitled to so many things. Glad to see other teachers feel the same way!!!!
Well...
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 22:33 — supportwcpssI think you would be even more shocked by the parents who feel such entitlement.
Sadly, the shock never fades
Sat, 09/26/2009 - 10:24 — Dadof3It doesn't take a lot of PTA work to see the overwhelming sense of entitlement so many parents have. So it goes when there's so much excellent TV on these days.
"In the age of H1N1 flu
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 20:01 — Apexter"In the age of H1N1 flu concerns, should high schools suspend policies
that allow seniors with good attendnace to skip some exams?"
Actually, skipping exams is awarded to students with good grades AND good attendance.
I would recommend they remove the attendance portion from it this year. If a kid has an A going into the final, let them skip the final. If you can get an A without attending every day, you were still obviously able to master the material.
In addition to benefitting the A student, it also benefits the teacher by reducing the number of grades that have to be reported during a time crunch. The other students in the class will be happy to get rid of the A students because they ruin the curve.