New ‘Point System’ to be Implemented for School Absences

In light of the government’s crusade on bullying, the Ministry of Education announced a new set of measures regarding absences from school, to be implemented come the start of the next academic year (2024-2025).

The first change includes the introduction of a digital platform for taking attendance called “e-Parents.” Teachers will keep online records of students’ attendance in order for parents to be notified in real-time if their child is absent from class.

The second change includes the reintroduction of the distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Under previous administration, the distinction between the two had been repealed, setting, instead, a maximum of total absences a student could make at 114, with one absence being equal to one class hour. The amendment has left the total number unchanged, but will allow students to make up to 40 unexcused absences and 74 excused absences.

Another addition is the implementation of a point system regarding hourly absences. From the start of the new school year, teachers will be responsible for keeping records for each student’s tardiness. If a student is 15 minutes late to class will be counted as absent. This also applies should a student be less that 15 minutes late to class three times.

The last amendment is the prohibition of the deletion of absences from the record by school staff, with certain exceptions (eg. serious medical reasons).

Source: tovima.com