It is absolutely insane that there are still 15 states in our contry that allow corporal punishment. Not only that, but there are seven additional states that don't "prohibit it". Our education system in the United States is certainly not top notch in comparison to other countries, and it's reasons like this why. The article addresses a letter that was sent by the Obama administration, specifically by Secretary of Education, John King Jr., requesting (and giving reasons why) that school officers and governors should eliminate the practice in ALL states. Not only is it obsurd that the practice is something that even still takes place, but African American children (male and female) are victims of physical discipline more frequently than white students - so are students with disabilities. This adds yet another layer of sadness to this issue. My hope is that this letter will prompt change in our education system and society as a whole. So many students need their classroom and school to be a safe, consistent place for them that they may not have outside of school walls. The thought of students coming to school in fear of their teachers, peers, and other adults is sickening to me.
Lori, I can wholeheartedly agree with you on this version of insanity. Why in the world would an instructor use physical punishment as a means of diminishing behavior is beyond me. I cannot see how this behavior modification works. Being from an era when corporal punishment was allowed, I know from my experience all it caused was anxiety, fear, and distrust for the instructor when corporal punishment was administered. The racial aspect of this kind of punishment is a serious concern too. The perspective of a minority student may very well fall into the category of anxiety, fear, and distrust. Just what a teacher wants in their classroom.
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