Scrap Detention. Issue a Ticket!

On the books in Texas is a code that allows students aged 10 and up to receive citations for disrupting classes (among other things).  How about that?  Issue tickets and hit the parents where it hurts - the wallet!  Wonder if it would change some student behavior?

Comments

[Rachel Webb]

I question whether children who have such serious issues with behavior would be cognizant enough of the consequences for this to make a difference. I'm just doubting that parental disapproval, and any consequences such as chores to work off the bill (which was my fate when I ran up an enormous phone bill.), would really matter that much to a young student who behaves so badly at school. If they don't behave at school, do they really behave at home?

I think if it had any effect at all, it could spark parents who might be in denial about their child's behavioral issues to take them more seriously, which could lead to better behavior in class. But I'm skeptical as to whether it would have any direct impact on student decisions itself.

[Steve J. Moore]

I think this is something that depends entirely upon the community your school is in. It would need to be widely accepted and discussed in the community first. As an administrator, I would be very careful about instituting a practice like this.

Perhaps one way would be to make the citation fines go to a local charity that the community would vote on.

There's potential for good here I think, but it could be very messy too.

[Erin Burnham]

I can see both sides of this issue. I as a parent would be all in favor of the penalty being in the form of community service. This would not only benefit the student, but the community as a whole. However, I am not naive enough to think students or parents wouldn't pay up on their portion. We still have students with outstanding lunch bills. It's sad but true.