In a recent NUT survey two thirds of teachers said that the poor behaviour of students was preventing them from doing their jobs properly or at all. A deputy Head from Solihull is quoted as saying that 'teaching has become something you do on those odd occasions when you are not dealing with unacceptable behaviour'.
Does anyone have the answer? Ruth Kelly may call for 'zero tolerance' of classroom disruption but seems short on practical solutions.
Schools seem increasingly short on effective sanctions. As for detentions, the guidelines say that parents must receive 24hrs notice with a written explanation of the reason for it. Parents have the right to object. For many teachers handing out detentions is hardly worth the effort. Withdrawal of privileges, onsite isolation rooms, exclusions - where do we go from here?