Here’s an update on a blog I wrote earlier this week. It concerned a new policy in a small fishing town just outside of Mobile. The policy was enacted to address the rising behavior problems and poor attendance in this small community’s four public schools. The policy holds parents accountable for the unruly behavior of their kids. Parents are also held accountable for unexcused absences. An offending parent could face a fine or serve jail time. Several readers left opinions about this policy. Some agreed with the policy while others didn’t think it was such a good idea.
Over the past two days, local readers have called in to the Mobile Press Register and left messages for the Sound Off section of our paper. This section allows citizens to call in and comment on articles appearing locally or nationally. They can also call in about issues in the community or the nation. Selected messages are then printed in the paper at the discretion of the editor. From what I have read so far concerning the policy, the general consensus is that most parents support the policy. Here’s a sampling of what some local parents are saying:
“Teachers are not magicians. They’re trying their best to do what they can while they’re there. They can’t make them come to school. That’s your job (the parents) to see that they are there.”
“A teacher’s responsibility is to teach. Unfortunately, discipline is such a major problem. Parents should take responsibility for getting their kids under control.”
“Parents should correct behavior. It’s not the school’s responsibility.”
At least the attendance part of the new policy is working. According to a report in the paper, attendance is already up since the policy was instituted. This shows me that maybe some parents were either unaware that their kids were skipping school, or the parents who were taking their kids out of school to have them work on the fishing boats realized that school was more important to these young minds. Either way, it’s interesting to see how this will play out. I am sure there will come a time when a parent or group of parents will challenge the policy.
See also:
Parents Control Your Kids’ Behavior In School Or You May Have To Pay A Fine
Discipline Problems? All It Takes Is A Smile
California Considers Banning Spanking