Parents could be charged for kids’ truancy
Posted Jan 28, 2010 05:36:27 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
An education committee recommends charging parents with neglect if they don’t get their kids to school on a regular basis.
The committee was formed in May 2009 to study the growing problem of absenteeism in Nova Scotia schools.
In its final report, released wednesday, the committee makes 13 recommendations to improve attendance.
Committee chair Howard Windsor says teachers don’t get much support in dealing with delinquents so charging the parents is a way of getting other government agencies involved.
Other recommendations include more severe penalties for skipping school, “interventions” for regular truants, and better communication with parents about the importance of education.
Metro Halifax reports the committee also suggests forcing students to stay in school until they’re 18 – instead of 16.
Education Minister Marilyn More says absenteeism is a problem in schools, but she isn’t saying whether her department will accept any of the recommendations.
