(NewsNation) – A school system in Tennessee is going toWe will no longer be accepting doctor's notes.to permit someone to be absent even if their parents disagree.
School authorities in Lawrence CountyThe school announced the implementation of the policy.claiming that students should learn work ethic and reliability by expecting them to work even when they are sick or hurt, as they will be expected to do so as adults.
It's also meant to tackle.chronic absenteeism, which is when a student misses at least 10% of their scheduled class time. During the 2023-2024 academic year, chronic absenteeism in Lawrence County reached 14%.
Despite the absence of a federal requirement for paid sick time, numerous individuals in the U.S. still report to work while ill; however,Health authorities recommend avoiding it.. Remaining at home while unwell helps curb the transmission of viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, safeguarding those in the community who are most susceptible.
The new attendance policyStudents will only be noted as either present or absent, and doctors won't be able to confirm if a child is out due to illness, injury, needing rest, or to avoid infecting others.
The aim of this policy is to boost attendance, but parents are against it. They point out that even a legitimate absence due to sickness, such as the flu, could lead to a truancy referral to the Lawrence County Juvenile Court.
Children who fall ill or are at schoolsent to school sickA student dismissed early by the school nurse will be marked tardy. Accumulating three tardies will be equivalent to one absence.
Under the revised guidelines, schools are required to initiate support measures following only three days of absence. Accumulating eight or more unexcused absences will lead to a referral to the court system.
Consequences might also involve failing a course or academic year, being barred from graduation ceremonies, or being denied a driver's license or learner's permit.
Exceptions will be made for students who have documented long-term illnesses, uncontrollable emergencies, family deaths, and certain religious practices.
The school system mailed a communication to healthcare professionals, urging them to highlightregular school attendance...and cautioning that doctors' notes might suggest students remain absent from school even when they are no longer sick.
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