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Teachable Moments: Planning for vacation days

TRANSCRIPT:

For South Carolina Public Radio, I'm Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents. 

The holidays are around the corner, and many families are traveling, but school calendars don’t always line up. So, should parents pull kids out of class early? It’s a hot topic.

Some educators say being in school every day matters more than accommodating travel plans. Teachers also worry about chronic absenteeism, which is linked to lower achievement. Parents argue that these trips offer valuable cultural and family experiences that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

In the end, it’s about striking the right balance, because family time and education both shape a child’s future. And that’s a decision every family has to make.

For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris.

Rénard Harris is an Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston (2022-present). He teaches courses in Leadership and courses in Managing Diversity. His leadership course focuses on the dynamics of effective leadership, positive influence, and clear vision. His Managing Diversity course focuses on exploring culture, experiences, and identity as asset and resource of those less heard and less seen.