The district has moved to a restorative justice discipline model that many teachers liken to letting the inmates run the asylum, one reader believes that might be why we do less experiments in our science classes.
From a reader:
A science teacher at my school told me that he and others in his PLC were yelled at by an A.P. for not doing more labs and didn't care that they didn't have the materials or space to do the labs. I remember when students dissected frogs in middle school. That was a long time ago. Now it'd be crazy to put a scalpel in the hands of our students. They know they could stab somebody and only get a warning that if they stab somebody 4 times, they'll get 2 more warnings, then a detention.
From a reader:
A science teacher at my school told me that he and others in his PLC were yelled at by an A.P. for not doing more labs and didn't care that they didn't have the materials or space to do the labs. I remember when students dissected frogs in middle school. That was a long time ago. Now it'd be crazy to put a scalpel in the hands of our students. They know they could stab somebody and only get a warning that if they stab somebody 4 times, they'll get 2 more warnings, then a detention.
Everyone is afraid. "It" rolls down hill.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of restorative justice. Kids helping kids to resolve their disputes. Before getting to that scalpel stabbing stage. But having put the idea into motion, Vitti, the Davis boys, and others, don't seem to give a damn about how it actually is working in our schools, which is to say not at all. I have worked with the roughest of students and a good talk before any project is all it takes to gain cooperation and not have behavior issues. Oh wait, that is what this super doesn't do. Talk to teachers? Respect them and their struggles? Listen to their ideas? I'm getting off topic. Restorative Justice could work in our schools if only we really gave it a chance rather than using it as a 'make love to me' sound bite for the media.
ReplyDeleteI don't even know what restorative justice is. It's never been used at my school. And according to the Code of Conduct, it's only used for class 2s.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it than a young adult ages 15 - 17 can be deemed responsible enough by the State of Florida to propel 2 tons of steel at 70 miles per hour and be tried as an adult for a capital crime and yet not have the where with all to show up on time, dress appropriately, and perform tasks when directed by a teacher?
ReplyDeleteOne size fits all....and everyone is going to college !
ReplyDeleteI'll take the ' Blue Pill ' please... thank you