Classroom sneezing

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: April 30, 2009

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With recent health concerns in the news lately, and after numerous discussions with colleagues, I feel it is time for reconsideration of the exam exemption policy, which is based primarily on attendance. Often, because students wish to exempt as many exams as possible, they come to school no matter how sick they might be.

I have had students sit through my classes coughing and sneezing their way through the period. Needless to say, they pass on their illnesses to others throughout the day. While high attendance is a laudable goal, we need to be equally concerned with the health of our students and staff. I ask that the exam exemption policy at least be considered for review.

Perhaps higher grades, rather than attendance, should be the criteria for exempting exams.

RONALD MEDVIN

Tampa

The writer teaches English at Sickles High School.