Education Ministry mandates strict enforcement of student absence rules
As the last ten days of Ramadan begin and student absences rise, the Ministry of Education has instructed schools to strictly enforce attendance regulations. School administrations have been urged to take firm action and hold accountable anyone who encourages or implies leniency toward student absences.
In this context, the Acting Director General of the Jahra Educational District, Bader Al-Ajmi, emphasized the importance of not hinting, alluding to, or warning students about absence in any form.
In a circular issued yesterday, Al-Ajmi urged all school administrations to strictly enforce absence regulations in line with official educational guidelines. He reiterated the necessity of maintaining attendance throughout the week and ensuring that absences are properly recorded without any leniency.
Al-Ajmi added that, students are not permitted to leave except in specific cases in accordance with regulations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to curriculum plans approved by technical directorates and instructed schools to provide the region with curriculum timelines without any advance or delay.
Meanwhile, schools reported varying levels of student absences yesterday, with some exceeding 50 percent while others recorded as low as 5 percent. This disparity suggests prior agreements among students regarding attendance during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Sources revealed that WhatsApp groups play a significant role in coordinating and encouraging student absences during this period. Additionally, some families contribute to this trend by urging students to stay home, citing the significance of the last ten days of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid celebrations.
On the other hand, some school administrations are making strong efforts to maintain high attendance rates by scheduling tests during these days and strictly enforcing absence regulations. However, WhatsApp groups continue to dominate, influencing students’ decisions and encouraging absenteeism.
Source: Al Jarida
