Extended School Hours

[AKA2D '91]

Originally Posted by Honeykiss1974

Honestly, I would support an extended school day IF it meant bringing back recess (with a morning and afternoon break), smaller classes (so the teacher could teach in a more intimate learning environment), and effective discipline methods were re-introduced into the school system.

Areas of Concern:
Smaller classes: NCLB and acquiring 'highly qualified' personnel. Prior to this legislation, there was a teacher shortage. Plus, NCLB allows for most students, even those with the most severe disabilities to become part of the general population, thus increasing the PTR.

Effective Discipline Re-introduced: Again, NCLB, IDEIA, and other legal guidelines have administrators and teachers' hands tied. "Effective discipline" as we knew it, won't be re-introduced. Unless, districts require their school-based personnel to keep record, track (documentation) of student's behaviors, districts will be at a disadvantage and what we once knew stays out the window.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Effective Discipline Re-introduced: Again, NCLB, IDEIA, and other legal guidelines have administrators and teachers' hands tied. "Effective discipline" as we knew it, won't be re-introduced. Unless, districts require their school-based personnel to keep record, track (documentation) of student's behaviors, districts will be at a disadvantage and what we once knew stays out the window.

You know what I don't understand though? In my local district, they (the school resource officer bka the school police officer) carry tasers and USE them on students - but yet, discipline methods that we grew up with (ie paddling, making a student stand up in class or in the hallway for being a disruption, in school suspension) are considered "embarrasement" or ineffective.

Apparently giving students mini-electrocutions are a good alternative here.