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Teens Speak Out: Is Ontario's New Grading Policy Fair?
9 Sep
Summary
- New Ontario high school policy links attendance to final grades.
- Students with over two unexcused absences lose grade points.
- Critics argue policy penalizes students for issues beyond control.
Ontario high schools have implemented new attendance rules this academic year, impacting students' final grades. Attendance and participation now constitute a portion of a student's overall mark, with deductions for unexcused absences. This policy aims to address a significant decline in student attendance province-wide since the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw regular attendance drop to 40% in the 2024-25 school year, down from nearly 60% in 2018-19.
However, the policy faces scrutiny from students and education experts. For instance, 15-year-old Bryden Hamilton, who manages mental health challenges, finds the policy adds pressure and exacerbates his difficulties attending school. Critics argue that penalizing students for absences does not address the root causes, such as mental health struggles, anxiety, or family issues. Instead, they advocate for supportive strategies that encourage school engagement.
