This story is built around the idea that the system of regulating 'unexcused absences' is unnecessary because parents can determine what's best for their child. It misrepresents the original purpose of such regulations, which was to prevent parents from using children as free labour instead of sending them to school. Now, in general, it may be that there are many unneeded regulations. But many of those are designed to protect the rights and interests of children, and cannot be willed away by a pollyannish disposition or competency-based schooling. Without strong and enforceable regulations to protect children, any move away from the current system must be looked at with necessary scepticism.
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