The Alberta Teachers’ Association

At the end of the year, it may be tempting to keep your child out of school for a few days. But studies show that missing days in elementary school can lead to problems.

When kids miss school, they miss out. They aren’t there when the teacher explains how to multiply fractions. Or they miss the first chapter of the book the class will read.

When they come back, they have to work hard to catch up. Sometimes, they feel like they can’t get back to where their classmates are. So they give up. Or they drop out.

A research study at Johns Hopkins University found that sixth graders who miss about one day of school a week have a 75 per cent chance of never making it to graduation.

Make every effort to get your child to school every day—even as the school year winds down. You could be heading off big trouble later.

Source: Kim Nauer and others, “Strengthening Schools by Strengthening Families,” Centre for New York City Affairs in Parents make the difference! May 2009, volume 20, number 9, published by The Parent Institute, www.parent-institute.com

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• Public Education—Supporting Futures.
• Jack Ady's favourite teachers
• Don’t let your child waste the summer in front of a screen
• Missing school affects success
• Education Beat
• Issues related to Provincial Achievement Tests
• From the mouths of . . .
• Teachers put “Real Learning First”
• Healthy minds mean bright futures