Why honors student jailed for missing school

Tran is a straight-A student taking difficult college courses and missed classes because she has been working two jobs to help support a family torn apart by divorce and her mother's abandonment. Tran should, in fact, be made an example of, but not because of the number of school days she missed; Tran exemplifies the triumph of determination and hard work over serious adversity.

This is not to say that students who experience external trauma or have unstable lives will always act out, or that they should receive a pass if they do. They need to show discretion when determining appropriate discipline.

The intuitive response to a student missing school should be to find a way to get them back, not criminalize them. Nor does it provide alternative services to ensure that students are able to take full advantage of their educations. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Comments 0. Top Stories. Woman killed in Atlanta park was stabbed, cut over 50 times, autopsy shows 2 hours ago.

Ecuador battle between prison gangs leaves at least 68 dead 1 hour ago. Hot Property. Times Events. Times Store. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options. Honor student working two jobs is jailed; outrage ensues By Matt Pearce. So the world decided to lend her a hand. Matt Pearce.