During the rules assembly earlier this school year, it was announced that a new tardy sweep policy would be implemented. However, this is not the best approach to the growing problem of absenteeism in school.
Often, lack of student engagement is attributed to students not wanting to learn. Even so, there are several other reasons that contribute to this issue such as mental health, lack of educational resources to help with academic struggles and family issues. Meaningful change requires addressing the system itself. Right now, the system is very ageist and often treats students in a way that feels dismissive, assuming tactics like tardy sweeps will solve complex issues. Despite their intentions, punishment does not solve the problem.
School should be a place where students learn how to make the world a better place, how to be a better person, how to care and be compassionate for every living being. Focusing on punishment and detention is not the best course of action to make schools a better learning environment.
