Teach Effectively!

Humane discipline policies that recognize students’ difficulties are needed in schools, according to Charlotte Observer columnist Kay McSpadden (who is a high school English teacher). Ms. McSpadden recommends that policies eschew simple punishment in favor of, “addressing the underlying brain dysfunctions or social ills.” In addition, she argued for greater support of and better training for teachers.

Frontline classroom teachers need to be better trained to recognize learning disabilities and mental illnesses in young children. Special education teachers need more time to collaborate with regular education teachers to craft meaningful individualized education plans for those children.

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