Perfect attendance awards have long been a staple in schools as a way to incentivize students to come to class every day. However, one dad's TikTok video raises questions about whether these awards do more harm than good.

In the video, the dad, known as speechprof, questions why perfect attendance awards are still being given out, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He argues that encouraging students to come to school even when sick is potentially dangerous and sends the wrong message to students about what it means to be a responsible citizen.

"Is that the lesson we want to teach our kids?" he asks. "That they should feel guilty for getting sick, that they're somehow less than? They're not worthy of an award simply because they caught a cold?"

The video has sparked a heated debate among parents, educators, and experts. Many argue that perfect attendance awards put undue pressure on students and can even incentivize them to hide their illnesses from their parents and teachers.

On the other hand, some believe that perfect attendance awards are essential to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment in students. They argue that students who miss school for non-urgent reasons are more likely to fall behind in their studies and may struggle to catch up.

Despite the debate, it's worth noting that organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that sick children stay home from school for their own safety and the safety of others. As speechprof points out in his video, rewarding students for perfect attendance may not be the best way to promote responsible behavior.

So, are perfect attendance awards really worth it? The answer is not a simple one. While it's vital to encourage good attendance, it's equally important to prioritize the health and well-being of students. Perhaps a better solution is to reward students for responsible behavior, whether that means staying home when they're sick or consistently turning in assignments on time.

Ultimately, it's up to each school and community to decide what approach works best for them. But one thing is clear: perfect attendance awards are not without their controversies and drawbacks, and it's worth considering the broader implications of such awards before handing them out.

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