- Moderator
- #1
I think this is a fine idea. Everyone is so quick to blame the teachers for a shitty school system, but the bottom line is, education starts at home and that includes discipline.
CHICAGO (CBS) Some parents and activists rallied at Chicago Public School headquarters in the Loop Monday to accuse a chain of charter schools of overly harsh discipline.
Protesters chanted: Invest in us, stop arresting us.
Their chief complaint? Charter schools run by the Noble Network send students to detention for minor infractions and fine them $5.
We are absolutely appalled that Noble is padding its pockets off the backs of hardworking people by fining them, said Alexi Nunn Freeman of Advancement Project.
Since 2008 Noble Schools have collected more than $386,000 in fines and fees for behavior classesincluding more than $188,000 last school year alone, CBS 2′s Mai Martinez reports.
The system works like this, students get demerits for violations like chewing gum or talking in class. Four demerits equal a detention and a $5 fee to help cover the cost of staffing detention.
If a student gets 12 detentions, they have to take a $140 discipline course.
The protesters say most low-income families just cant afford that, and they fear with the success of Noble Schools, the fees could be adopted across the CPS system.
The policies create a safe and productive learning environment, says Kimberly Neal, a principal at a Noble Network school, Muchin College Prep, 1 N State St.
An example we always give students and parents: If you are late for work, would you have a job? she said.
Students, Parents Protest Noble Network School Discipline Policy « CBS Chicago