Is Skipping Really That Bad?

Skipping has been a hot topic of conversation for many years and it is evident that students and the state of North Carolina education laws cannot see eye to eye. While students believe that skipping should have no repercussions, staff/administrators believe that a consequence for skipping creates and maintains disciplinary structure. I, however, side with the students. Skipping doesn’t necessarily imply that you are trying to partake in something bad, you can skip for a number of reasons; studying for an exam, feeling sick and a parent can’t check you out, sleep deprivation, personal conflicts with other students, etc. At age sixteen, you are legally able to drop out of school so by that time you should be able to come and go as you please.

I strongly believe that a student should be able to skip if they know they can keep up with the work. Not only will this teach students responsibility, it will prepare them for college. North Carolina compulsory education laws state that a child must attend school continuously for a period of time that is equal to the session at the public school where the child is attending. With that being said, the public school can create rules and standards for missing school as well as parents because they are responsible for their child’s attendance.  However, some students will take advantage of that policy and begin to suffer in the grade book. A compromise students and staff could make for skipping that would be fair for both sides would be if a student has a D or below in a class, there will be repercussions. If a student is passing and can keep up with their work and their parents give permission, they should be able to skip freely. If you are a student athlete with consent from the parent and coach they should be able to participate with the standards for skipping except on game days that way there would be some structure to the guidelines. With these new standards for skipping, I believe students will learn responsibility and understand the downsides of not attending school when their grades begin to suffer.