"Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining discipline and order in schools, is permitted. However, it shall be used only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed, and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the presence of the teacher."
"It should never be inflicted in the presence of other pupils or without a witness. Corporal punishment shall be administered only by swatting the buttocks with a paddle. When it becomes necessary to use corporal punishment, it shall be administered so that there can be no chance of bodily injury or harm. Striking a student on the head or face is not permitted."
"The teacher or principal shall submit a report to the superintendent, explaining the reason for the use of corporal punishment as well as the details of the administration of the same."
Yes, this is an excerpt from the senior high student handbook for the upcoming year. Welcome to Missouri. I will do everything I can to protect Patrick's rights, but D and Patrick have both decided that this is where Patrick will be going to school.
I doubt this situation, or the "police can interrogate your kid, and as long as the principal is present there is nothing you can do about it" sort of situation (also outlined in the handbook, along with the "we can ask your kid to undress and 'shake it' while we look for contraband oooooh, yeahhhr" variant) will come up, but it positively sickens me. Not to mention, I also DO CARE about other people's children.
What kind of school environment do they deserve? And do you think that this reflects well on the teachers who want to be viewed with respect? Who believe in civil rights for all and don't want to be seen as a Thwackum type?
It may be wrong, but I *feel* distrustful of every staff member so long as policies like this are in effect.
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My father is the purple dot above the blue weather station. He's juuust outside Milton's evacuation zone. Well! My brother and I jus...
I remember looking into the corporal punishment laws of different states in the mid-80's when I was certified as a teacher for a report I was doing on discipline in schools.
ReplyDeleteEven at that time I was shocked to discover that several states around your area still permitted corporal punishment. I am surprised that 25 years later it continues to be permitted. Where is this coming from? Are board members attempting to practice "spare the rod and spoil the child?" But even if that is so, isn't a policy like that best administered by the FAMILY????
Eileen
Dedicated Elementary Teacher Overseas (in the Middle East)
elementaryteacher.wordpress.com
The sad thing is, I would be under suspicion if I spanked my younger child, but these goons are not if they paddle my nearly 16-year-old with a wooden paddle!
ReplyDeleteI'm not totally anti-spank because I can't get into other people's lives, but I will say that children should be treated much better than they are at present!!
The governing attitude seems to be that if you're always good, you have nothing to worry about. And I don't believe that, especially when you are dealing with special needs kids who are easily antagonized.
That sounds as bad as the school that had the police arrest a kindergarten student.
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's just nuts.
ReplyDeleteThwack a high school student?
ReplyDeleteThat is completely illogical! There are plenty of disciplinary measures available!
I know!! Not to mention how that could be viewed "sexually" with young girls, etc. (Ick, but might as well say it.)
ReplyDeleteWHY do it??! Why not make rational consequences for these almost-adults??
Marissa isn't attending a "school" proper. She is attending an outpatient psychiatric clinic that has teachers to work with the "clients" during the school year. This clinic buses students in from 12 counties in our state. All these kids are considered to have EBD problems so severe that they cannot be accommodated in a typical school. The first policy in their "Student Manual" had to do with use of deadly force.
ReplyDeleteI have entered a whole new world ~
(((Julie))) It is so hard when the world we envision for our children isn't the one they're going to get. I'm so sorry!
ReplyDelete