Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Schools have reportedly experienced almost 90 percent absenteeism during the last few days before the spring school break set to start next week. This is largely due to the widespread belief among parents that these last few days of school are unimportant, schools said, adding that it is a tradition that goes back many years. This continuing trend has led to educational specialists asking for deterrent measures to overcome such absenteeism. They suggested salary deductions for teachers and downgrading of students' grades. Elementary schools in Tabuk were attended by very few students and education officials said absenteeism regulations would be applied. In Taif, a number of students claimed that teachers told them there was no school. A number of teachers said families take advantage of a few days before school break to travel abroad or to other cities. Teachers, however, still have to turn up to work, they said. They said that absenteeism is continuing despite students' grades being downgraded. Some teachers suggested that the last week of school be dedicated to exams, especially for secondary students. Directors of educational directorates in different governorates said a plan was set up to monitor attendance during the last week of school. A circular was sent to all schools to ensure the attendance of students. Educational specialists said the blame for student absenteeism should be shared between families, schools and the Ministry of Education.
