The state law should be used to decide specific issues happening in the school environment, notably the expulsion of students for willful defiance. One of the reasons for the use of state law in determining such a matter is to avoid misuse of such loopholes. For example, statistics show that many African-American and Latino students are suffering from expulsions (Lewin, 2012). Therefore, it sounds like the window of opportunity is being misused to target minorities even for flimsy reasons such as talking back to their teachers.
The indulgence of state law in preventing expulsions of students for willful defiance is appropriate as the state can set the threshold of carrying out such punishments without targeting a particular group of people. For example, the reasons for expulsion or suspension are much more severe than just previously (Frey, 2014). Some of the reasons may include intimidation, violence against others, theft, sexual assault, and bullying which are easier to prove than just willful defiance.
However, the issues relating to student’s punishment should be left to the governing board of a school district, but through the guidance of state law. Since schools ever existed, their operations have been influenced by legislation. The regulations cannot be based on anything else but the state laws. Therefore, even the people in the governing boards of schools should not use their emotions or attitudes to warrant punishment to students.
Response to the Peer’s Response
The student’s comment is entirely on point. It is time to stop using willful defiance as a reason for suspension or expulsion because it can be taken advantage of to punish innocent students. Furthermore, schools are supposed to help kids become useful members of society by correcting behavior and instilling new skills into them. Expelled schoolchildren are twice probable to stop schooling and five times likely to become criminals (Frey, 2014). Such repercussions are not the ultimate goal of any school. Every child lost to crime should be a significant loss to the society and all stakeholders should collaborate to stop that. Therefore, the student’s response is a progressive notion that should be encouraged.
Response to the Instructor’s Discussion
Collaboration between teachers and other professionals is a good gesture towards career and school improvement. Apart from benefiting the teachers, the students immensely improve in their performances when their teachers take time to connect with others. Such collaboration enhances satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, collaboration amongst teachers enables the education sector to realize that the responsibility of nurturing a student is not solitary. The teachers get to access improved practices that strengthen pedagogy. The better a teacher becomes effective, the more a student performs well.
Robert John Meehan was correct to cite that one of the greatest resources for educators is having each other collaborating to expand their growth beyond personal perspectives. It is during such moments that a teacher can share a specific classroom dynamic and the ideas that work or do not work for them. Collaborations and interaction should be encouraged at every level, be it casual exchanges or structured process. When a teacher is searching for information on how they can best improve their work, they majorly consult their colleagues more than they seek help from experts (Leana, 2011). Schools should, therefore, start and enhance programs that support collaboration and professional development for the education career.
References
Frey, S. (2014, September 28). New law limits student discipline measure. Retrieved November 7, 2018, from http://edsource.org/2014/new-law-limits-student-discipline-measure/67836
Leana, C. R. (2011). The Missing Link in School Reform (SSIR). Retrieved November 7, 2018, from https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_missing_link_in_school_reform
Lewin, T. (2012, March 06). Black Students Face More Discipline, Data Suggests. Retrieved November 7, 2018, from https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/06/education/black-students- face-more-harsh-discipline-data-shows.html
