It's a basic concept, a philosophy that should be upheld by all school system officials, whether elected or not: All students, even those deemed disruptive, have the ability for academic achievement.
It's a basic concept, a philosophy that should be upheld by all school system officials, whether elected or not: All students, even those deemed disruptive, have the ability for academic achievement.
Yet when Lafayette Parish School Board member Mark Allen Babineaux detailed his pitch for a new disciplinary "philosophy" during Wednesday's meeting, the very core of the public education credo - that belief in all students - was lost, not just on him and several of his fellow board members, but on many sitting in the crowd who cheered as he discussed changing the school system's approach to unruly kids.
Although the gist of Babineaux's disciplinary philosophy centers on a transfer of power from principals to teachers, perhaps the most troubling aspect is how it deals with the students themselves.
"Why should a teacher's performance scores be affected by a student who doesn't even want to graduate," questioned Babineaux, apparently disregarding all belief that even the most disruptive of students, coming from who knows what kind of home life, still stand some inkling of a chance for a turn-around. Babineaux then hit on perhaps the most disturbing aspect of his spiel, saying:
"For the parents of those disruptive children, they may have to seriously think about home school, or putting their child into the charter system."
Wow. But that's not all, as he further reiterated the above point, saying:
I would propose we adopt a policy that makes teachers the final arbiters of readmission ... and give them the right to refuse readmission into their classroom ... If [a disruptive student is] recommended by two teachers, then they're no longer the school's problem. They're the problem of the parent.
Fortunately, one principal did speak out on the implications of Babineaux's philosophy. That principal was Katrina Riley of J.W. Faulk Elementary.
Though Riley noted safety in the classroom must be maintained for all students and teachers, she said Wednesday's discussion verged on creating an "us versus them environment" between teachers and principals - a dangerous message for a school system struggling to overcome an "us versus them" mentality held by several board members against the new administration of Superintendent Dr. Pat Cooper.
Amid baseless accusations by board member Rae Trahan that teachers are constantly assaulted both sexually and physically by their students (she offered not one example), Riley made the following responses, the last comment being perhaps the most profound of her statements:
We want our teachers to be a part of the discipline process. But we have to make sure we're not really saying two strikes and you're out. We also have to make sure our teachers understand what an assault really is.
It's our responsibility to do the right thing not only for our teachers and their safety, but our students. We have to remember that we are here to provide a free and public education to all of our students.
And for what should've been the final nail in the coffin, LPSS Director of Health and Wellness Bradley Cruice said Babineaux's philosophy completely goes against what is allowed by state law, noting it would deprive a student of their right to due process. Yet, board member Greg Awbrey had difficulty understanding that concept, and repeatedly tried taking Cruice to task over alleged issues with LPSS' policy concerning the role of teachers in the disciplinary process - a policy that is based on state law mind you. Even the board's legal counsel, Assistant District Attorney James Simon, spoke out on the issue - a rare occurrence - saying "state law does not on its own and will not on its own, allow a teacher to have the final say-so."
Babineaux noted he will seek advice from our local legislators, and perhaps get those pesky state laws changed, but until then, here's the Vision, Mission and Belief statements of the Lafayette school system:
Vision:
The Lafayette Parish School System will continue to provide excellence in education for all students.
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Mission Statement:
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The Lafayette Parish School System in collaboration with stakeholders is committed to developing productive citizens prepared to compete in a global community.
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Belief Statements:**
- All students can learn.
- The application of knowledge will lead to the development of functional members of society.
- The system is committed to continuous improvement.
- All stakeholders must be committed to high quality standards and expectations.
- Quality education is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders.
- Effective collaboration and communication among all stakeholders are essential to the success of our school system.
- Diversity enriches our school system.
- A safe and supportive learning environment enhances student achievement.
- Professional development is an integral part of continuous improvement.