The president of the Yarmouth local of the NSTU says teachers are now reviewing a draft policy on classroom attendance.
The recommendations come from the 14-member Council to Improve Classroom Conditions.
It sets parameters and definitions around excused absences and chronic lateness.
Yarmouth teacher Rollie Hannem says he and his colleagues are looking forward to providing input.
“We can now look at the draft policy for attendance. Teachers from across the province can actually comment on changes they would like to see in the draft. We are very happy about the fact they are looking at attendance, because we see it as key. If you’re in elementary school and you miss one day of school a week, that’s 40 days a year. By the time you’re in Grade 4, you’ve missed an entire year of instruction.”
He says chronic absenteeism is a big issue.
“Because that student is learning that it’s OK to be away from school, and OK to be away from work when they’re older.”
The council is hoping to gather feedback from people across the province before meetings in May.
The policy would then be communicated to schools in June before it takes effect in September.
