Why attendance?

Editor,

I always assumed that when a student goes to school, it is to learn. To take a student’s ability and challenge them to step up and surpass that ability. To secure future generations by creating leaders, innovators and to keep our country on top of the global competition.

So, when I heard that Summit Collegiate is basing 20% of a student’s grade on attendance I was left a little confused. This is a school that already has a great attendance rate. I know there are reasons for a good attendance — mostly monetary. I can also see how this teaches responsibility and so forth.

But, 20%? How does this actually prove to be an accurate assessment of what a student learns? How can you possibly justify a student’s grade with so much emphasis on attendance?

Especially a school that brags about its International Baccalaureate status.

Bill Peart
Porterville