Charlotte Schools Revise Attendance Policy: A Fresh Start for Students
Charlotte is buzzing with news about the recent changes in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ attendance policy. Gone are the days when missing multiple classes meant an automatic fail in a course. This big shift is aimed at creating a more supportive learning environment for students, especially after the rocky ride many faced during the pandemic.
Goodbye to Harsh Penalties
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Up until now, students who missed 11 or more classes without a valid reason faced getting an automatic F in their classes. This strict rule has been around since 1970 and was one of the toughest in the whole state of North Carolina. However, starting this semester, students won’t have to make up those missed hours just to pass. This change comes straight from the superintendent’s office and aligns the district’s policies with state guidelines.
According to Susan Vernon-Devlin, the CMS executive director of media relations and crisis communications, the new approach will allow schools to focus more on content mastery. “We want to ensure consistency in how students earn grades and credits across all CMS high schools,” she explained. That sure sounds like a step in the right direction!
Principals Weigh In
Even with the new leniency, schools like Providence High are still encouraging students to aim for excellent attendance. Principal Tracey Harrill emphasized in a recent newsletter that, “Regular attendance remains crucial for academic success.” She reminded everyone that research shows a solid connection between high attendance rates and better grades. It seems like everyone is on the same page about what’s important!
Understanding the Numbers
Now let’s talk about the context here. Prior to the pandemic, CMS faced a troubling spike in chronic absenteeism. One in four students was considered chronically absent, which means they’d missed 10% or more of the school year. Quite a jump from before, right? The national average was also a whopping 30%, so CMS wasn’t alone in facing this challenge. However, the latest data for the 2022-23 school year suggests that the percentage of chronically absent students in CMS has dropped to around 22%. That’s progress!
But let’s not forget the gloomy aftermath of those absenteeism rates. Studies have indicated that missing classes doesn’t just affect grades—it can lead to long-term consequences like dropping out of high school or facing challenges later in life like poverty and health issues. It’s clear why educators are rallying for better attendance. As Brenda Berg, president and CEO of Best NC, stated, “In short, educators cannot teach when kids aren’t in school.” It’s time to take attendance seriously!
What’s Next for Students?
So, what should students and parents take away from this new policy? While the rules have changed to provide more flexibility, the message about the importance of showing up in class remains loud and clear. Now, instead of focusing solely on the hours missed, teachers can emphasize mastering the material. This could make a big difference in the way students experience learning.
As Charlotte’s educational landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to keep an eye on how these changes impact student achievement. We all want to see kids succeed, right? The new attendance policy is just one piece of the puzzle, and with the collective effort of schools, parents, and the community, we can hope for improved outcomes for every student in the Queen City.
Let’s stay engaged and support our schools as they adapt to better meet the needs of their students. Education is a journey, and together, we can help our kids thrive!
