Tue 8 May 2007 @15:03
Here’s a question: If a student is rude to a teacher or classmate, should they be required to apologize to that person as part of their discipline? If a student disrupts a class, should they apologize to the class before they are allowed to return to it? Okay, that was two questions…. Here’s a softer version, should apologizing be one option that a student may choose in lieu of other disciplinary actions such as detention or suspension?
Here’s some background particulars. Our teacher’s contract states,
In Accordance with F.S. 1003.32 (4) a teacher may suspend a student from class. Under no circumstances shall a teacher suspend a student from school. A teacher may recommend a consequence to the principal when a disruptive student is sent to the principal’s office and the principal must consult with that teacher prior to enacting lesser disciplinary action.
The Florida Statute cited there is,
A teacher may remove from class a student whose behavior the teacher determines interferes with the teacher’s ability to communicate effectively with the students in the class or with the ability of the student’s classmates to learn. Each district school board, each district school superintendent, and each school principal shall support the authority of teachers to remove disobedient, violent, abusive, uncontrollable, or disruptive students from the classroom.
One of my colleagues recently had a student removed from class. The student is now in an in-school suspension program for that class period. This colleague suggested that the student may be allowed to return to class if the student signs a behavior contract (these are common in my school) and if the student apologize to the teacher (and perhaps to the class) for his disruptive behavior. Two administrators stated that having the student apologize would make the problem worse and might encourage more disruptive behavior in other students.
Frankly, I fail to see the logic of that argument especially if the apology is an option that a student chooses rather than a requirement forced on them. I have further comments [that it might be prudent if I never publish] but I really want to know what you think. Is making an apology for bad behavior an unreasonable alternative to offer students?
May 9th, 2007 at 00:24
I think it’s an excellent idea. If the administrators are concerned other students will be encouraged to act out because the punishment’s too light, they could limit it to an option offered only on a “first offense”.
May 9th, 2007 at 17:12
What’s the big deal if there’s an enforceable behavior contract as well? I say it’s the civil thing to do, apologize, not necessarily to a class that could care less perhaps, but certainly to the authority figure, no?
It’s not like all sins are wiped clean with one “sorry” this way.
May 12th, 2007 at 12:31
it think it’s silly that the matter is even up for debate. an apology requires one to take responsibility for one’s own actions. it’s absurd that this is considered problematic.
May 22nd, 2007 at 23:20
My little 8 girl was kicked in her private parts by another 8 year old boy today at school. He told her he was going to kick her in the “V”. Yes, he used the “V” word and then kicked her there. She told on him and nothing was done. He wasn’t even made to apologize to her nor was I told of this incident from the teacher.