SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY NEEDS COMMON SENSE

Attendance and truancy have long been school issues. In the old days, if a student missed too much school, he or she was penalized. But several Chicago schools have added a twist to attendance: Students can actually increase their grades with perfect attendance. It is a ridiculous notion.

Students shouldn't earn better grades for showing up. That is what they are supposed to do. What are we teaching these youngsters? Employers certainly expect more from workers than just showing up at the office.

Cape Girardeau's public schools are phasing in a change in its attendance policy over the next four years. It will require all students to attend 95 percent of classes. Only eight excused absences are allowed. Grades may be negatively affected by unexcused absences.

That is the way it should be. Good grades should reflect good work, not just good attendance.