I heard it yesterday as we were told of the latest and greatest new brainfart handed down by the education gods. Here's how it works:
1. A kid gets in trouble in school.
2. Administration hands down a punishment of suspension.
3. The kid goes home and hangs out for a couple of days to cool off and think about their actions.
4. The kid returns. (And is now able to go to their teachers to get all the missing work that they missed while away!)
Be it a test, quiz, project, whatever, the teacher now must allow two days for every day of the suspension for the points to be made up.
Lets play this out through an example or two, shall we?
Example A-
Billy gets into a fight with the local nerd and beats him to a bloody pulp. With no remorse, Billy is sent to the office and a punishment of three days from school is handed down. Upon Billy's return to school, teachers are now required to go back through their files to get Billy caught up. Just say that a major test was scheduled for the time when Billy was away. He now is allowed up to 6 extra days to work on his material to study for the test. Six days longer than those in the class who chose to follow the rules and not be suspended. I feel that there is NO punitive impact for his actions.
Example B -
Carl's dad dies. He is gone from school for three days to deal with family issues. Upon his return, he finds is work to be difficult as he can not focus on his classes. Even though he is suffering greatly, he comes to school with hopes that keeping busy will keep his mind off the stress of his life. He also is given six days to complete his work. Mentally gone but physically there. Seat time equals preparation time so ready or not, he must meet the same guidelines as Billy the Nerd Basher. Carl's crime - not keeping his dad here on Earth.
Both kids are to be treated in the same manner under our vail of equality. Even though I totally understand the the value of equality is an important part of our society's success, I think the value of justice should also be recognized. Maybe I am what people call "Old School", but I consider malicious acts to be grounds for punishment. I have this gut feeling that kids should understand that they are accountable for their actions. If they know that time off for bad behavior will result in loss of grade and they choose to do act inappropriately anyways, then light it up. Dish out the zeros and explain that the actions they chose led to reactions that were clearly explained ahead of time. It seems like a no-brainer .
Let's say Billy gets suspended 6 times in a quarter? Extra days every time. YEP! Luckily, Carl's dad can only die once!
