Those who believe that parents must share in the blame for some of the lack of responsibility displayed by their children have additional evidence for that argument, based on what has happened in Knoxville, Tenn.

In Knoxville, prosecutors summoned parents of repeatedly truant children to attend a meeting about the law concerning excessive absences. About 40 percent of the adults didn't show up.

The meeting in question wasn't supposed to involve just a few parents. Letters were mailed to 582 parents, but 241 were absent.

State law in Tennessee allows prosecutors to hold parents accountable for their children's school absences. In February, Knox County, where Tuesday's meeting was held, arrested 19 parents whose children had 10 or more unexcused absences from school.

Parents found guilty can be sentenced to a year in jail.

No doubt some of the parents who were absent Tuesday had a good reason for not showing up. However, it's safe to conclude that some of the absent parents have as bad of an attitude about education as their children.

Knox County officials should continue putting pressure on parents to ensure that their children are attending classes. And, those officials should continue their work at determining why those absent Tuesday weren't present.

The important thing in Knox County or anywhere else is that officials demonstrate that they are serious about enforcing school attendance.