Oregon teacher placed on paid leave after taping student to chair
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 3:49 PM PDT
By The Associated Press
Printable version
E-mail this articleOAKRIDGE, Ore. — A teacher in the Oakridge School District has been placed on paid administrative leave after allegedly taping a student to a chair because he wouldn't sit down.
Superintendent Don Kordosky declined to identify the teacher Tuesday, but confirmed she was removed from her Oakridge Elementary School classroom last week after the mother of a 9-year-old boy reported the May 28 incident.
The boy's mother, Becky Faile, does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment Tuesday night. In interviews with local television stations, she said the teacher taped her son from his knees to his chest after he refused requests to sit down.
Faile said her son's poor behavior was not a strong enough reason for him to be humiliated in front of his peers. Faile said she has contacted a lawyer.
Under Oregon law, "a teacher may use reasonable physical force upon a student when and to the extent the teacher reasonably believes it is necessary to maintain order in the school or classroom."
It's unclear if masking tape is considered reasonable.
On the advice of her Oregon Education Association legal counsel, the Oakridge teacher is not commenting on the incident until district officials have provided her with the results of their investigation, said Dan Fisher, president of the Oakridge Teachers Association.
"It's a shame that the process has worked this way with the media coverage, because it's been almost a guilty until proven innocent thing," he said. "Even if she is totally cleared, she may never get her good name back."
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:41 AM:
" Ahhh, yet another mother of an undisciplined spoiled brat making excuses for her childs unacceptable behavior. Likely this teacher should be patted on the back, not punished. Some of these disrespectful bratty kids today, geesh. I commend anyone who can spend more than ten minutes with them without wanting to beat some of them senseless. "
Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:50 AM:
" Some of the funny thoughts that cross our minds when a student won't remain seated include rope and duct tape. It isn't something anyone ever actually *does* though. Until now, that is. (yikes) "
thinkin' wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:07 AM:
" I beg to differ, Ella. My fourth grade math teacher, Mr. Phillips, taped my best friend to her chair because she WOULD NOT sit down. He left the tape on the desk next to her, and told her, if she also failed to be quiet (she was quite mouthy) she could place the tape across her own mouth at his direction. He left her arms free so that she could still do her work. The problem is, this worked. I'd known that girl all my life, and we're still best friends (this would have happened in 1973-74), We've laughed about it, and she wishes she could get away with it with her own daughters, one who's JUST like mommy. Today, she'd be guilty of child abuse. It worked then. She NEVER did that kind of stuff again. Incidentally, she was a lousy student prior to Mr. Phillips class, and after actually learning to restrain herself in his class, she became a really good student. Sometimes a little humiliation can be of service and save a child from themself. "
CRfisherman wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:14 AM:
" I agree with Lame. Kids aren't taught by parents to be respectful and when the teachers crack down on the kids' behavior the parents come screaming to the resuce and defend the kid. Since when does one kid have the right to disrupt what the teacher and all the other kids in the classroom are trying to accomplish? They should go back to the good old days with spankings for the kids that are out of line. If the parents won't set behavior guidelines, then the teachers should be able to. I have great respect for anyone in the teaching field.....keep up the good work!!! "
stink wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:29 AM:
" My 6th grade teacher did this in the mid 80s to a kid in my class, and he wasn't in trouble. I think it got the message across to the kid. "
Meeche wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:29 AM:
" I have to admit that I agree with AnotherLameOpinion. Mothers these days don't dicipline their children enough and the result is teachers having to step up the game. I don't think this teacher should be punished at all. Think she should be commended. Mrs. Faile should dicipline her child for acting up instead of tryin make a quick buck. Unfortunately, she will probably sue for mental anguish and win the case along with some unGodly amount of money for an incident the child probably laughed about. "
Louie wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:05 AM:
" The child most likely deserved that type of discipline. There is very little respect these days for parents, teachers, or neighbors. Maybe the kid should have just been kicked out of school and let the parent deal with it. The trouble with that is the child doesn't get the education that is so needed for future growth. Unless something drastic happens in what teachers can do in regards to discipline it won't get any better. Kids need guidelines in order to become good students and citizens...now they have none. "
longview citizen wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:40 AM:
" I agree with everyone's comments. But I have one concern everyone is attacking the mother but what about the child's father. Another classic example of fathers not taking any interest in their children. You make em you raise em!! Fathers you need to step up to the plate if you wanna play like a man then be a man!!! Yes I am a male that has chose NOT to have children and am sure I have none. "
starfire wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:48 AM:
" The kid may be an undiscplined brat, but taping him to a chair in the middle of class is not an acceptable form of punishment. It could prove to be very dangerous if there was an emergency. "
CRfisherman wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:07 PM:
" If everyone agrees.....then why have we taken away from the schools the right to punish kids if they are out of line. Where is the common sense in our gouvernment? Nobody wants to be accused of a child abuser. Making kids mind and follow certain guidelines and punishing them when they aren't following the rules isn't abuse, it's called raising them the right way. It's all the do-gooders that think we should give children the right to make the correct choice....guess what...it isn't working!!1 "
GR8 ANT wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:10 PM:
" I totally agree with Lame. My child knows that if she were to disrespect any teacher (or any adult figure for that mater) there will be serious consequences. To this day she's never gotten in trouble in school and I pray that it stays that way. Its kids like that who my child imitates at times at home...if I have to hear "but so and so does it" I might go crazy. "
IWCJ wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:25 PM:
" Teachers are educators. Not moral dictators. While it's true that discipline in the home is vital (and more and more parents are neglecting this basic practice) a teacher simply should not physically restrain a child to his seat because he won't sit down. Physical restraint is acceptable if a child is likely to harm himself or others. If we, as a society, agree that teachers can restrain, where are the lines drawn? Masking tape is OK, but duct tape is not? Plastic ties? How about handcuffing a leg to the desk? Locking a student in a closet? Gagging with a bandana if they won't stop talking? Should the rules simply be "Restrain with any material possible, as long as you can UNrestrain quickly in case of an emergency? For those of you who are quick to defend the teacher in this case, I would be willing to bet if it happened to YOUR child, you would be furious. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:28 PM:
" I love the "my Teacher beat me to within an inch of my life and I turned out great" stories. That didn't make it right then and it doesn't make right now. The tape was to humiliate the student. That is just plain poor classroom mahnagement. It is possible the teacher and student are wrong. The teacher should know better. "
Meeche wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:02 PM:
" IWCJ... I would be furious if this happened to my child. Not because of what the teacher did, but because my child wasn't behaving. Better believe I would not be mad at the teacher. My son knows, if you act up at school, you get in trouble when you get home. And to longview citizen: I do not believe the father is off the hook. The mother is the one in the news footage and the one obtaining a lawyer that is more than likely the reason she is targeted for blame. "
1980mustang wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:45 PM:
" I offer up the tape to the teacher for one of my son's. He never used it but I couldn't blame him if he did. I got the calls from school I just couldn't come up with and other good ideas. I better add this I am not a ABUSER all kids are doing well, plus that was years ago. "
Proud Mama wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:02 PM:
" If this child is so disruptive, why wasn't he sent to the principal's office or why hasn't the school done a functional behavior assessment to get to the reason why his behaviors are occuring? This child could have a mental health issue, a medical issue or a learning disability, all of which are not going to be solved with tape. Remember....before you get out the tape, get the school psych involved. "
Tempest wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:45 PM:
" Thank you, Proud Mama. I agree. People discount the fact that this child could possibly be a victim of abuse or suffering from a number of conditions. You'd never know. It is most definitely very wise to get some kind of professional involved, not some emotional sadist with a roll of tape. It IS about humiliation and shame. That was his punishment. Not a trip to the principal's office and a call home? To the people who think kids need more of THIS kind of "discipline", it's probably a good thing you've "hung up your paddle." "
Commenter wrote on Jun 4, 2008 5:37 PM:
" How do you know it was about humiliation? I support this teacher 100%. Sure, she could have just sent the kid on his way to the principle's office or subjected him to behavior assessment garbage, but by taping him and keeping him in class shows she cares more about his education. What does he learn if he's not there? As for discipline, I believe this one has been affected across the board. As kids continue to threaten child abuse, as companies continue to put out so many video games directed toward kids, and parents have less and less time to be parents because they're working 2 jobs to support their family in this poor economy of today, things will just get worse. I believe there's a saying out there that says sometimes you have to take a step back before you can move forward. Look at how many restrictions have been put on parents and teachers regarding discipline. Then look at the increase in crime, drug use, and poor education. They seem to increase all at the same pace. Don't blame the teacher, don't blame the mother, blame yourselves. "
Ella Mentry wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:57 PM:
" I witnessed a 2nd grader once having a huge "fit." He wouldn't listen, could not sit still, or sit at all, and was screaming nonsense. Turned out he was having an allergy attack. Tape would not have cured him... "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:55 PM:
" The teacher was right? I guess that's why she's out of the classroom and on suspension. By the dumb threads on this post the teacher should have just beaten the student. If you don't like someones behavior; hit them. And you people have the nerve to ask why schools have become dropout factories. Brilliant, just brilliant. "
FanInTheStands wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:03 PM:
" It would all be so easy if the kids just did as they were asked, but they don't. I 100% blame the parents in this case - teachers shouldn't have to teach manners on top of academics.
I was at a play the other night at KHS and this mother with an infant and a three year old came to watch the play; and in the meantime they ruined it for everyone else. The baby bawled the whole time and the 3 year old whined and crawled all over the place. When someone finally asked the lady to step outside, her response was, "No, I bought a ticket and I am watching the play." Can you imagine what those kids are going to be like when they hit public school?
Rudenss and the me first attitude is so pervasive with this generation of PARENTS and KIDS, that this battle wil continue to rage on. Teachers do need to be given more latitude when dealing with disrutpive kids then maybe we can get the police officers out of our school hallways and back on the streets. "
I was at a play the other night at KHS and this mother with an infant and a three year old came to watch the play; and in the meantime they ruined it for everyone else. The baby bawled the whole time and the 3 year old whined and crawled all over the place. When someone finally asked the lady to step outside, her response was, "No, I bought a ticket and I am watching the play." Can you imagine what those kids are going to be like when they hit public school?
Rudenss and the me first attitude is so pervasive with this generation of PARENTS and KIDS, that this battle wil continue to rage on. Teachers do need to be given more latitude when dealing with disrutpive kids then maybe we can get the police officers out of our school hallways and back on the streets. "
FanInTheStands wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:07 PM:
" And as for humilating this student, in my generation we would have called that peer pressure - maybe he'd get the clue from his classmates that he needs to sit down and shut up.
And to idea that maybe this kid has some sort of undiagnosed mental disorder, that still doesn't excuse this kid from his actions. If he's gotten to be 9 years old, he knows right from wrong, but somewhere along the way someone has let the rules slide with him. "
And to idea that maybe this kid has some sort of undiagnosed mental disorder, that still doesn't excuse this kid from his actions. If he's gotten to be 9 years old, he knows right from wrong, but somewhere along the way someone has let the rules slide with him. "
Atrucker wrote on Jun 5, 2008 1:09 AM:
" Cheney119 how come you are not on the running for the president ballot,? You have all the answers in this forum. So why not for the country. ?
Back in the day , this kid would have got a trip to the principles office and awarded a few hacks for his behavior .
It seemed to work back then , so why did we stop? Whinners! that is why .
Now look at the mess we are in. Letting the brats do any damn thing they want . Corporal punishment needs to come back in school. kids knew the punishment was there for being stupid . "
Back in the day , this kid would have got a trip to the principles office and awarded a few hacks for his behavior .
It seemed to work back then , so why did we stop? Whinners! that is why .
Now look at the mess we are in. Letting the brats do any damn thing they want . Corporal punishment needs to come back in school. kids knew the punishment was there for being stupid . "
earlybird wrote on Jun 5, 2008 1:35 AM:
" I can't believe the comments applauding this teachers actions. I know there are many other ways of dealing with a child who has trouble sitting still. And even if it was not the intention of the teacher, I agree that the taping was very degrading and embarassing for that child. And mothers are not solely to blame for what others may call "disrespectful behaviors." I thought we had gotten past the belief that kids should be seen and not heard?! "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 5, 2008 5:30 AM:
" I love how many people believe this student should have been placated at the expense of the other students. Yes teachers, forget teaching the others, instead, you should become "babysitters" for our bratty, undisciplined children. (end sarcasm)Gee, no wonder our kids can't pass simple state requirement tests. The teachers are too full of distractions they can't do anything about to actually be able to teach our students. I had ADHD as a kid, and spent a lot of time with my desk pushed right next to the teachers desk to keep me in line. As a child, I hated this, but as an adult looking back, I realize this was necessary for the teacher to teach without my constant hyperactive disruption. I'm sorry to all you neysayers, but when you take away any form of physical punishment, humiliation is one of the few motivators you have left. If a child doesn't have to fear a paddle or humiliation, what do they have to fear? What is there to prevent them from acting up, a "15 minute detention"? I really don't think this phases a lot of kids, it didn't me. Humiliation worked though. I did shut up much more when put at the teachers desk. Embarass someone for their rotten behavior in front of their peers, and they're likely to reevaluate what they're doing. FanInTheStands, I agree, there is nothing more irritating than some self entitled person who brings their infant child into a theatre. Get a babysitter, I did. "
imlovinit wrote on Jun 5, 2008 7:58 AM:
" Sometimes ya gotta get creative with kids. Tape didn't hurt the kid. But we've tied the hands of school staff when it comes to discipline, and the kids know it. "
Tempest wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:13 AM:
" I remember a 2nd grade girl who peed her pants because she forgot to go at recess, so the teacher said no when she asked in class. After more than an hour of tears, she soiled herself in front of the rest of the class. That was definitely more powerful to her than a spanking. She still remembers it, and so does her classmates. I don't remember a single bully in grade school, except for the teachers. To imlovinit: Yes, sometimes you have to 'Think Outside the Box' when ANY problem arises, including 'problem' children, but that was ALL she could think of? Taping him up? What a creative, practical, intelligent, and long-term solution! To Commenter: 'She cares about his education!' HAHA! Well not too much. Not for the other kids' either. Do you think that all of the other kids in that class thought, 'Hey, I will completely ignore the taped-up, squirming kid in the corner and work on division!' Uh-uh. That was hugely distracting for EVERYONE. To AnotherLameOpinion: Humiliation and shame are HUGE motivators. It motivated the people I know who experienced it often as a child to have self-esteem issues and hate. I don't agree with what your teacher did so much, either, but at least you had the benefit of someone caring enough to figure out what your issue was and create a REAL, not SYMBOLIC, solution. "
An observer wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:26 AM:
" Oh how I miss the "Hack", I grew up as an "Abused Child" The question should I sue my abusers? They no doubt distroyed my life, I only have three college degrees, maybe I should have more.
To all the parents whining and wanting this teacher hung out to dry, look around you and watch our society crumble (as goes the Roman Empire)and take your kid and home school him or her! Give the other 30 kids a chance. "
To all the parents whining and wanting this teacher hung out to dry, look around you and watch our society crumble (as goes the Roman Empire)and take your kid and home school him or her! Give the other 30 kids a chance. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 5, 2008 11:04 AM:
" Yah! Hit the little brat. You turned out perfect Atrucker, lord knows people have probably been hitting you since you were three, and still do, I'd be willing to give it a try. Other than the brain damage and facial scaring you turned out wonderful. You learned so much in school, heck you can now drive a truck, you just can't afford the diesel. You're obviously such a happy successful fulfilled person; if you don't like someones behavior hit them. What a wonderful world it would be. "
Toutle Mom wrote on Jun 5, 2008 11:05 AM:
" Humility and shame are highly underrated today's society. I don't think we should go around devastating the self-esteem of young people, but there is nothing wrong with being ashamed of one's actions, nor humbled by the results. These emotions are unavoidable and serve very valid purposes. No harm came to this child from the teacher's action and the kid would most likely laugh it off for the rest of his life if it were not for overreacting adults. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 5, 2008 11:24 AM:
" You know what atrucker I don't have all the answers, as you so cryptically tried to express. I just have better answers than you. I don't care what the student was doing. The teachers action were meant to humiliate the child, she should have known better and was suspended for it. Maybe we should make you the teacher? But what would you teach after double clutching? "
Tempest wrote on Jun 5, 2008 12:38 PM:
" Toutle Mom: Thank you for telling us how that boy feels. Can you tell me how my son felt yesterday as his teacher tore up the THIRD draft of an essay he wrote in front of his class and then patronized and antagonized him when he started to cry out of frustration? Can you tell me how I felt when I called his teacher today and asked why those actions were necessary to "teach" my child that he was going a little off topic as 3rd graders are apt to do? And how I felt when his teacher started back-peddling like crazy, and telling me what a brilliant student he is, and how anyone could already see how far he is going to go, and how I'm doing such an awesome job? Please and thanks. And if, by chance, you were referring to MY post about shame and HUMILIATION, I just thought I would clarify that I believe humility is good and I wish there was more of it, especially around here. Humiliation is bad, and it happens FAR more often than it should - everywhere. I believe that SHAME is the result of humiliation, not humility. I never met someone who endured something like this at school (A 'SAFE' PLACE) as a kid and said, 'I am a better person because my teacher SHARED my weaknesses in front of God and everyone.' "
An observer wrote on Jun 5, 2008 1:56 PM:
" I use to work for a district that believes that every kid should sit in front of a computer screen for hours on end. Very progressive place, If a kid acted like a kid they thought he had a mental defect! I suggest play, then work, moving sand bags or something, you know burn off some of that energy, they suggested drugs, counseling. "
Meeche wrote on Jun 5, 2008 2:55 PM:
" Correct me if I'm mistaken... Cheney119, you got a chip on your shoulder?... Maybe this story hit a soft spot... Posting angry, sarcastic, and immature comments is not going to make things better. I don't think this child was embarrased or humiliated. I think the adults are the ones making this such a big deal. Ever been in a situation where a child falls down and look to you for your reaction? If you freak out, they freak out. If your calm, I'll-be-darn... they are calm too. "
GR8 Ant wrote on Jun 5, 2008 4:44 PM:
" Well said Meeche!! My daughter is just that way...if I laugh when she falls she does also!! I sometimes get a look like "gee don't you care that your kid just skinned her knee". But my child doesn't cry over ridiculous stuff also!! "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 5, 2008 7:45 PM:
" Meeche I don't have a chip on my shoulder. But why should some ignorant truck driver tell me anything; about education or anything else? Especially when his conclusion is the discredited practice of corporal punishment. The teacher was suspended for good reason. She should probably be fired. All you jack asses defending her are fools. Can I put that any clearer? I'm just tired of you authoritarians thinking you're right about everything. Humiliating the kid may have left a lifelong scare, perhaps he'll become a serial killer, child molester, who knows. Why do all you nitwits defend it so viamently. Why don't you ask yourself this question? "
Pasta wrote on Jun 5, 2008 9:02 PM:
" This kid must have gotten that teacher so stressed out and at her wits end to finally do something as drastic as this. So maybe we should be looking at the kid not the teacher. Oh sure you can say "send him to the office." But while the teacher is having to escort this child to the office, who is teaching the other 28 or so children. In my opinion too much time is wasted on the kids who cannot control themselves. While the other kids have to sit and not be taught. Too many times I have seen kids push their teachers buttons because they can and because they are not taught to respect authority. I am just glad that this teacher pushed back. Our teachers are responsible for teaching all of the kids in their class and they cannot do this if they are constantley being interupted. "
NJGZ wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:16 PM:
" I agree with Pasta. Obviously the teacher was not getting the support from the "mother," lets not forget the "father," for that matter, or the school administration if she had to resort to such drastic measures. Children NEED to be taught respect, responsibility, and proper citizenship at home. Teachers are not babysitters, they are there to guide and nurture our childrens' minds. That mother should be looking at her own parenting skills if this child is so unmanageable. Let's not play the victim. It is unbecoming and does not teach anyone to take responsibility for their own actions, just excuses. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:25 PM:
" Pasta you're right, the child drove the teacher crazy and she was right to do anything she wanted. Put him in the stocks, 20 lashes, the teacher shouldn't have be in control, use authorized disciplinary methods. She was right to do what ever she pleased? That makes a lot of sense. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 5, 2008 10:35 PM:
" Tempest I understand your posts and I can't explain the people defending this teachers actions. Authoritarians always defend authority; right or wrong, it's like a reflex, they never think for themselves. You notice a cop or any authority figure can't do any wrong for a lot of these clowns? It's the authoritarian pathology. They are sick. "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 6, 2008 5:28 AM:
" Wow Cheney, among other things, you're an expert on child rearing too? Goodness, what is your terribly overeducted know-it-all mind doing in such a small town as this. Why, with that great brain of yours, you could be making millions in some large city. What are you doing here? (End Sarcasm) Get over yourself!!! Nobody has all the answers, especially not you!!!! Opinions are one thing, but your in here spouting off like your some kind of expert on raising children. NOT!!!! The teacher didn't put the kid in a corner with a dunce hat on or anything, she taped him to a chair. It was masking tape. It didn't hurt anyody, and really, it's kinda silly if you think about it. Was it the most appropriate form of punishment? No, but it was creative, and the kid will probably think twice before repeating this action. Some kids act up, simple as that. I was one of them. Sometimes teachers have to think outside the box to get results. Her actions weren't perfect, but she was not so far out of line that she should lose her job or anything. A simple written reprimand on her file should suffice. All she did was tape a kid to a chair, and some of you want to string her up by a rope. My kid has ADHD too, and if he was in the same situation, I'd probably laugh. I'd think the teacher did a good job, but that's just me. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 6, 2008 7:40 AM:
" Your lame opinion not withstanding, the teacher was suspended and all authoritarian jerks keep defending her actions. Some of these jackasses are calling for corporal punishment. Would you like your ADHD kid to receive that? Would that be constructive? Show some backbone and demand teachers resist the temptation to give in to their worst instints. This teacher should be out of education if she ever pulls a stunt like this again. "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:00 AM:
" I am the husband in the picture. Put that in your Know-It-All pipe and smoke it!!!! My son wouldn't behave like that in the first place. ADHD or not. If he did behave like that, while I don't support the belt, I don't think taping this kid to a chair was such a horrible thing. The child will probably think first before acting out in such a way in the future. Could it be it's your child who is one of these undiciplined brats we're all speaking about, and this article is hitting a "soft spot" with you? Instead of attacking with anything useful to say, you just keep attacking everyone else's intelligence but your own(the one who should really be taking a look in the mirror). "
GR8 ANT wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:12 AM:
" The reason you don't see any teachers comments is because they have there hands full trying to teach disrespectful brats...too Lame...I think you are correct as to Cheney's "soft spot"...can you say a tad to defensive. "
Toutle Mom wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:13 AM:
" Tempest, I merely shared an opinion which was not directly in response to any one post. And, while I am sorry that your child went through that situation with the teacher, and while the teacher should have dealt with it in a much better way, did you stop and help your child write the third draft? It would seem to me that your child needed your help in writing that essay and if you spent your time to help, maybe your child would be more successful in that class and feel uplifted rather than humiliated. I am not saying you didn't help, but I am a parent who believes that teaching/education isn't limited to the classroom or the halls of the school. My child is entirely my responsibility and so is his education. And, I work 2 full time jobs and still find time to sit down and review his homework every night and correct it, show him better ways and practice it with him. "
cheney119 wrote on Jun 6, 2008 9:20 AM:
" The soft spot is in your head lame. The reason I thought there was no husband was because of your whining and pathetic tone could only have come from a woman. You might choose to address this in future posts. Why do you think there are no teachers defending this incompetant teacher's actions? Answer that! You are endorsing the actions of a suspended teacher that is getting her district sued. That's quite an endorsement of her methods and your ignorant opinion. That's the story here, not how much tape to use. I do have sympathy for you child's teacher, that apple could not have possibly fall too far from that rotten tree. "
Meeche wrote on Jun 6, 2008 11:15 AM:
" I'm sure I will vomit if I read "Authoritarians" in another post from Cheney119. These postings are for readers to post their opinions... And most of them have tact... A quality you don't seem to posess.. Does it make you feel better to critcize this teacher for belittling the child then post a comment doing the very thing you critcize HER for. Think about it Cheney119, practice what you preach.. I'm sure your postings would have a better reaction if you chose your words a little more carefully. And the comment about the child becoming a serial killer or a child molester for being taped to a chair at the age of nine is ludacrous. Plain and simple. Now, if the mother doesn't step up her game in the parenting section... those careers are a possibilty. "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jun 6, 2008 11:21 AM:
" How do you know there are no teachers defending her actions here, seeing as how all these names are anonymous? But why am I arguing with you? You obviously have a severe lack of intelligence. You have no good credible arguements, everything you write is an attack on someone's character. This is the move of someone with nothing intelligent to say. Instead of saying anything worthwhile, you just attack everyone else, yet claim to be soo smart. That makes every arguement you ever have the same. "I can't win with intelligence, so I'll just attack their character instead". If you're going to attack people, at least have something intelligent to say, or make an intelligent point. Attacking me and others does not make your point right or worthwhile, instead it just proves how stupid you are. "
Huggygramma wrote on Jun 6, 2008 3:36 PM:
" to Cheney: Can you clarify what a "lifelong scare" is? I'm probably a bit longer in the tooth than most of you posting here, I went to elementary school in the late 50's and early 60's. When I was in school, back in the olden days, taping a disruptive kid to a chair was common and happened regularly in the classrooms I was in. At the end of the day, we filed out to the buses, and spent the whole ride home giggling and joking about it. To the best of my knowledge, none of my classmates, many of whom became doctors, lawyers, and TEACHERS, were traumatized (including me) by occasionally getting the masking tape treatment. It was especially common the day after Halloween, imagine that. I'm exhausted after one day with my two lively grandchildren, I can't even imagine being responsible for the education of 30 such creatures. Hat's off to the teachers, they should get medals for what they have to put up with, especially some of the parents. The teachers are evaluated by the students' test scores, so when the class has to constantly stop so he/she can politely request the "little darling" to please sit down and "use our indoor voice", those scores begin to drop, and guess who's evaluation goes into the dumper. No way to win this one, when many of these parents drop the ball, they will blame someone else, period. "
Tempest wrote on Jun 9, 2008 11:46 AM:
" Toutle Mom: We might have a few things in common! I believe a child's education should not be confined to the walls and halls of schools. I am responsible for all aspects of my child's life and devote my life to upholding that responsibility. I work with my child on his homework and review what he went over in class. Since the schools don't teach kids today the same way as I was taught, I teach him those methods, too, so he has a variety of 'tools' to build skills with. The problem is that even though I helped him brainstorm and gave him some suggestions, the teacher forbade him from writing it at home. I wrote out HIS ideas on a piece of paper and sent it with him to school for him to write from. I thought it was good. His teacher said it didn't have "enough HEART". He is a very competent student and is very successful with everything he does. He believes in himself and his abilities. He was embarrassed that HIS TEACHER did that to him. That, solely, was humiliating to him, not poor school work. I just thought I'd mention these things since they seem to be so important to you. Maybe, however, you should focus more attention on YOUR self-righteous attitude and bad habit of making assumptions about other peoples' lives - rather than my son's academic performance. "
Tempest wrote on Jun 9, 2008 3:22 PM:
" cheney119: Thank you, I appreciate that. The people defending this teacher's actions? Ahhh... the anonymity of the internet. If these people had to use their real name and picture, only the TRUE jerks would say the same thing they are saying now. Most of them are just giving voice to the frustrations they have felt in similar situations and cheering for the person who did what they fantasized they could have done, but never would. It's a twisted victory for THEM in a sense. My final opinion is that she crossed the line when she PUNISHED him for defying her in some way, out of anger and annoyance. She did not DISCIPLINE him, which is how children learn. What she did was indulge in a selfish and emotional fit without regard to the child, his peers, or even her career. She should not be a teacher, nor should she be the weird hero that TDN commenters have made her out to be. "
tharris82405 wrote on Jun 11, 2008 12:19 AM:
" I say "IT'S ABOUT TIME." As long as the taping didn't interfere with the child's breathing, then what did it hurt? Embarrased the child? Sounds like he did a good job of that on his own. Maybe this mom should learn a little something from this. If she would've gotten some control earlier, maybe it wouldn't have been needed. Sounds like this child needs a lot of something he hasn't been getting along the way. I remember when kids got "hacks" at school. Not that I think this should be an option or is the best solution, but we weren't out of control the way today's kids are. Parent's need to take control and hold the kids accountable. Teachers don't get an education to babysit, they get an education to educate. Children like this interfere with their job and take away from the kids that are doing what they're supposed to. "
Proud Mama wrote on Jun 11, 2008 10:09 AM:
" I still say the teacher was out of line and definitely not in control of the situation. As for the child needing to be escorted by the teacher to the Principal's office, he's 9 yrs. old, he can go by himself. If he would have refused to leave, the teacher could've used the intercom to the office and had a staff member remove him. Schools have policies in place to handle these disruptive behaviors and this teacher ignored those policies that PROTECT HER and the student. She is the ADULT in charge. She should have acted like an adult behaving in a respectful manner, after all isn't that what she was expecting from the student? "
Mom of four wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:39 AM:
" Everyone is sue happy. Yes, the teacher was wrong. Did he contact the parents about his behavior if so the parents need to get a grip. At least someone gives a crud about your kid completing school. I would be mad that the school didn't contact me about his behavior. Children these days look at their parents like haha touch me I dare you, my kids get in trouble for their bad behavior but they also get praised for their good behavior. My son got into trouble at school for telling a girl he loves her and wants to marry her...mind you he is 8. They sent him to the MBC room (making better choices) and made him write that he wouldn't say it again and made him call me and tell me what happened. The princible had enough gull to tell me this has been an on going problem! News flash if has been maybe you should have contacted me along time ago. Oh yeah and the little girl wrote the same thing to him. I was told that if he says it again he could go to JUV. Also, they arent aloowed to sing the kissing song....susie and bobby sitting in a tree.....what a joke. I think the teachers also need to be tied to a chair. "
columbian wrote on Jun 14, 2008 10:41 PM:
" Like they say the world is in a heap of hurt when we send our dogs to obeisance schools and we let our kids run wild.Two things thats got in made now is kids and dogs. "
columbian wrote on Jun 15, 2008 1:40 PM:
" Mr.CHENEY SIR:As for duck tape i know a good place for it to be used on you.Old saying loud mouth shows vacant mind.and a low IQ. HAVE A GOOD FATHERS DAY GUY. "
rosy wrote on Jun 17, 2008 2:02 PM:
" After reading the comments here, it's funny that no one mentioned the timing. My youngest is 35. All the "experts" started saying not to hit your kid when he was about 11 and by the time he was 14 he was threatening to call CPS on me cause I was sooo mean. I'd give him a quarter for the phone and soldier on.. By current rules, I was a lousy mom. However, I NEVER once in 14 years of schooling had a complaint about his behavior. He finished high school, some college and work training. He does not have a police record, probation officer, drug habit or any other addendums of modern living. He's a responsible father of a 9 year old son, still on his first marriage to the boy's mother. Were my methods of child rearing mean and abusive? Maybe. Was the outcome good? You be the judge.
Maybe taping this kid to the chair is the spark he needs. "
Maybe taping this kid to the chair is the spark he needs. "
kerchak wrote on Jun 19, 2008 6:05 AM:
" Junior was embarrassed because he was taped to the chair? How about when he's parading around the class? How did he feel about that? How did the rest of the class feel? As a child in the late 60's I remember a fellow student who earned the same treatment from our teacher; 'cept Teach used a rope. If I remember correctly, that dork ended up being one of the biggest dopers in high school. And it wasn't because he was all embarrassed for being hog tied to his chair. "
kitten wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:02 PM:
" Cheney,
What would you do if you were a teacher and you had a kid that was refusing to do what he/she was told? Give me some solutions if you are so smart. Maybe you were the one that came up with the "clear the room" plan. When one kid is throwing a fit, the whole class has to get up and leave. Believe it people. This is happening in several schools in Cowlitz County on a daily basis. Until you have been in the trenches Cheney, keep your mouth shut on this one. "
What would you do if you were a teacher and you had a kid that was refusing to do what he/she was told? Give me some solutions if you are so smart. Maybe you were the one that came up with the "clear the room" plan. When one kid is throwing a fit, the whole class has to get up and leave. Believe it people. This is happening in several schools in Cowlitz County on a daily basis. Until you have been in the trenches Cheney, keep your mouth shut on this one. "
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