Blog Stage 3

                “Stay in school – every day, if possible.” If not for the intellectual benefit do it for the state’s, this editorial by the Austin American Statesman argues. Just three days of absences cost schools $34 million in state funding, a huge number. A major city-wide newspaper, the Austin American Statesman is an exemplary example of what a city newspaper should be, giving it credibility in the news field. However, editorials are voiced opinions, so they should not be read as news. This editorial backs up opinion with fact, forming a strong argument that is quite credible.

The author, which is the editorial board of the Austin American Statesman, argues that young Texans should stay in school more. Students who missed school not only cut back on the school’s funding, but also are more likely to have to repeat a grade. The E3 report, localized around central Texas, is launching a new campaign called “Get Schooled” in an attempt to increase attendance rates. The main argument in this editorial is that parents should be keener in regards to their children, keeping a watchful eye and making sure they’re in school. The editorial board is clearly targeting parents of children, but the message is also indirectly targeted at the students themselves.

I agree with the author for the most part, but as a former student I can sympathize with the skippers. Albeit no to the extent where students miss a month of school, but because school days are so long there is much downtime during classes, especially at the end of the semester. I’ve had teachers who have held “free days,” where we could do whatever we wanted in class, because we had finished all the curriculum and had extra class days. By restructuring curriculum or the classroom environment, we can make teaching more efficient and thus encourage students to come to school.