Not to be too nitpicky or anything, but isn’t it a bit odd that in the same issue of the “Arrow” you would have an article saying that attendence shouldn’t be rewarded, and on another page you have an article saying that America is scoring last when it comes to math and science. I highly doubt that the empowered school board members had the good students in mind when they made the current attendence policy. If the whole of American students is doing poorly, shouldn’t we do something to raise that average? One simple way to do this is to make kids come to class. And not force them, rather make them want to come to class. This has been proven time and again, not only by scientists, but by the general public. Just ask any college student whether skipping class to watch cartoons helps when it comes to taking tests. And while everybody pooh poohs the tests, they are, regardless of your educational status, preparing you for life. Future employers will judge you on your test scores. So to drive this point home, get rid of the attendence policy, get rid of any policy that exempts students from taking finals. Brian Grell, Class of ‘96 Purdue University |
