Also, a bit off topic....(sorta)...

I've noticed how the practice of education has been replaced with the emphasis of attendance (indirectly, once again, the almighty dollar takes precedence).

Your child misses a day of school, the school doesn't get paid for that child's presence for the day. Therefore, the school enforces a strong emphasis on how important their attendance is (using the excuse that a "day missed in the classroom disrupts the entire class" scenario..though, granted, it is disruptive, but they neglect to back that theory up with actually attending to their individual learning).

Case in point: My step-son was graduating the 6th grade. I personally strongly felt that he should repeat the grade as he was severely suffering.
I requested to his teacher that he be held back. She pointed me in the direction of the principal and take it up with him. I did. The principal told me that the chances of having him repeat the same grade was VERY unlikely as he had a perfect attendance.
I insisted that despite his attendance, he hadn't learned much. The principal told me that my only hope was to take it up with the school board (but with a low chance of positive results).

I found that to be absolutely appalling.
Needless to say, my step-son dropped out of high school in his junior year.

Shangrala