If attendance is voluntary, are high schools similar to post-secondary education where attendance is at the discretion of the student and teacher? Is anyone responsible for a junior high school student’s decision to be in class? When day-to-day attendance is no longer taken for granted, are assignments, notes and assessment dates posted online? Technology cannot compete with the benefits of classroom discussion with the teacher and peers, or teacher-directed learning. This is true, whether in an elementary classroom learning circle or in a high school math class or hands on science lab. How will a student who is not in class every day manage? What? will high school students walk in and out of class on their own accord and walk around the school waiting for the next class that is more interesting? Who will be responsible at that time? Will more technology be used so students can be part of the classroom, anywhere or anytime? Mental health issues always require special attention, but as a consideration of individual needs and not the norm. And of course, there is always the question of post-secondary or workplace preparation where attendance is mandatory.
