Should Texas Law Permit Corporal Punishment in Schools? (Howe: school districts, live in)

[TexasReb]

Hey Fellow Texans,

In a polling mood today, I guess. Anyway, this is a subject that has been discussed in the Texas forum before, but far as I know, there hasn't ever been a poll on it. If there has, it has been a while back, and I don't remember it (age does that to you! ).

Anyway, this subject came up the other day on a teachers site, and it lead to quite a "lively" -- but interesting -- discussion/debate.

So I wondering how others here feel about it...

Personally, I believe Texas law should continue to uphold it as an option (operative term here). Let it be up to each district to decide their own policies as to its implementation, but ultimately that it be supported by state law for those districts which use it in some form or fashion.

I agree that it is not always effective, especially the older the kid gets. But IMHO, that argument against paddling is abbreviated because in some cases it IS effective. So let discretion, common sense, and experience be the guide in that regard....

With all that said, I can see a certain rationale for schools adopting a policy that permits corporal punishment ONLY with parental permission. BUT...I emphatically qualify that with that if the parent does NOT agree to their precious child being swatted? Then a "next level" step be implemented.

That is, for example. Ok, you don't want your child spanked? We will adhere to that. However, s/he is suspended for (however many days)...

Anyway....go for it!

[Emerald Forest]

Just because a teacher/ principal received their respective credentials to do their job doesn't necessarily mean they are fair or great with kids. There are many of them I believe who would not necessarily dole out "punishment" fairly, and this is if one believes in spanking to beging with.

There are many who could and would abuse this power. I don't think any public school employee should be allowed to paddle any child. They're virtually a stranger. And once a school employee has abused their power, it's too late- the damage has been done- to someone's child.

That's not to say there aren't many kids out there who don't receive adequate discipline, but I don't believe this is the way to go about it. Parents need to be responsible for their children's behavior, absolutely, though I am aware there are those parents who will not be.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

[Nairobi]

I could've sworn that corporal punishment was legal in this state, but many school districts just didn't permit it.

I think that we no longer live in a world where many parents would feel comfortable with a random teacher spanking their child. Things are so different now than when I was a kid.

[SteelBubble]

HELL no.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

I could've sworn that corporal punishment was legal in this state, but many school districts just didn't permit it.

It IS legal in Texas, Nairobi. But pretty much left up to local option as to whether or not it is permitted. Which makes sense.

I think that we no longer live in a world where many parents would feel comfortable with a random teacher spanking their child. Things are so different now than when I was a kid.

So true. As it is, I don't think it is for the best Some of the reasons parents today don't feel comfortable with it is because they have bought into the idea that the school system is all about their kids and that they need indulged in every way possible...

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by SteelBubble

HELL no.

Why not? Do you have kids of your own?

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by Emerald Forest

Just because a teacher/ principal received their respective credentials to do their job doesn't necessarily mean they are fair or great with kids. There are many of them I believe who would not necessarily dole out "punishment" fairly, and this is if one believes in spanking to beging with.

There are many who could and would abuse this power. I don't think any public school employee should be allowed to paddle any child. They're virtually a stranger. And once a school employee has abused their power, it's too late- the damage has been done- to someone's child.

That's not to say there aren't many kids out there who don't receive adequate discipline, but I don't believe this is the way to go about it. Parents need to be responsible for their children's behavior, absolutely, though I am aware there are those parents who will not be.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Even though I disagree with many points in this post, I do respect the points made and the reasoning supporting the position.

BUT...got to go to the bottom of it, first. The blunt fact is, that many parents do NOT take responsibility for their childs' behavior...and feel no need to do so. It is not even on their radar screen...but god forbid steps are taken to control the behavior? Then there is a lawsuit in the making....

And the school system is often helpless to take necessary diciplinary meausres (paddlings and/or suspensions) without going thru an elaborate and dog n' pony show that would have been considered absolutely absurd --and even laughable -- in a saner day and age.

Clinical psychologist types and "professional education experts" will scoff at the above....but they don't have to actually pay a price for being wrong. Teachers, however, do. They are on the front lines and responsible for some of the stupidest, idiotic, and "touchy-feely BS" theories implemented.

The whole "self-esteem" school of thought is a great example of it all. The whole damn thing resulted in a disaster; those who had the highest opinions of themselves were those who bullied others and felt justified in doing so because every message sent was that they were "important" and not to blame for their actions.

I could go on, but point is, some of these kids should have gotten their butts kicked by their parents, and there would never had been a need to paddle them.

[ETex2]

I was married to a middle school teacher for many years. During the time when capital punishment was going out of vogue and was frowned upon by parents and schools as being harsh and archaic. I can also say without a doubt that behavior problems with students of all socioeconomic classes skyrocketed as a result, prompting many in the teaching profession to reconsider their career choice. School administrator friends of mine have told me the same thing.

[blkgiraffe]

Originally Posted by ETex2

I was married to a middle school teacher for many years. During the time when capital punishment was going out of vogue and was frowned upon by parents and schools as being harsh and archaic. I can also say without a doubt that behavior problems with students of all socioeconomic classes skyrocketed as a result, prompting many in the teaching profession to reconsider their career choice. School administrator friends of mine have told me the same thing.

I'm sure it was; no one wants their child to recieve the death penalty.

Anyways, I think it should be up to the parent. However, I think parents should be responsible for enforcing corporal punishment upon their own children and not the school. These teachers these days are filled with hate and aggravation. Just imagine them hitting your children with that type of aggression.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by blkgiraffe

I'm sure it was; no one wants their child to recieve the death penalty.

Anyways, I think it should be up to the parent. However, I think parents should be responsible for enforcing corporal punishment upon their own children and not the school. These teachers these days are filled with hate and aggravation. Just imagine them hitting your children with that type of aggression.

Ahhhh, yeah. It is always the teachers fault, huh? Teachers are filled with hate?

I have a great deal of respect for your intelligence and opinions, this one I gotta take issue with...

Who said anything about "hitting"...and how do you even figure it as such....?

Do you have kids, yourself...?

Hell, Blkgiraffe, if more parents had the guts to physically enforce rules, then there would be no need for the school system to even consider it....