I ran for school board in 1998 in part to address the lax disciplinary policy towards bullying; before Columbine, before it was "cool."
Inertia is the easy way out. Bullying is not addressed as long as we place blame solely on the bully and don't assign specific responsibilities to stop it upon principals and, in a supporting role only, teachers. Principals must be given adequate authority to resist legal and employment threats from parents and administration officials including the school board. Ironclad guidelines by which they can enforce rules with no fear of parental intervention as long as effective procedures are carefully followed.
DC is the mess it is in large part due to the abdication of power by [principals to the students; this from ex-teachers in DCPS.
Click on the links to the right of the WTOP page to hear all four stories.
ReplyDeleteLook for this box on the WTOP page for the AUDIO of these reports.
ReplyDeleteAudioPart 4
Going to the principal to discuss bully problems.
PLAY Part 3
A daughter complains about bullying at school. Is the school aware?
PLAY Part 2
Bullying victim's behavior changes.
PLAY Part 1
Bullying inside a Rockville classroom.
PLAY
I ran for school board in 1998 in part to address the lax disciplinary policy towards bullying; before Columbine, before it was "cool."
ReplyDeleteInertia is the easy way out. Bullying is not addressed as long as we place blame solely on the bully and don't assign specific responsibilities to stop it upon principals and, in a supporting role only, teachers. Principals must be given adequate authority to resist legal and employment threats from parents and administration officials including the school board. Ironclad guidelines by which they can enforce rules with no fear of parental intervention as long as effective procedures are carefully followed.
DC is the mess it is in large part due to the abdication of power by [principals to the students; this from ex-teachers in DCPS.