Closing the achievement crap


Germantown High School (Tennessee) principal Ted Horrell recently apologized to parents and students for describing the schools black students as "less smart" than their white counterparts based on the state report card. Ok Ted, how about some remedial Educational Assessment 101...achievement tests and intelligence tests measure different things. Perhaps Ted is "less smart" than a high school principal needs to be. German-town...arian superiority...just wondering?

STORY: Ted Horrell, Germantown High School Principal, Apologizes For Presentation On Race, Test Scores


Come out come out where ever you are...except Tennessee



Once again into the abyss of the far right.. Tennessee GOP State Senator Stacey Campfield has sponsored the Don't Say Gay Bill for consideration. Here are just a few of his intellectual arguments for such legislation:


  • "Homosexuality = Bestiality"
  • "Bullying is the biggest lark out there."
  • "50% of theaters are based on something about homosexuality."
  • "AIDS- started with one guy screwing a monkey...it was an airline pilot if I recall."

Recall indeed...can anyone organize a recall campaign against this genius? Finally, which theaters is Stacey patronizing?

STORY: Stacey Campfield, Tennessee Senator Behind 'Don't Say Gay' Bill, On Bullying, AIDS And Homosexual 'Glorification'


Lady Gay Gay Shirt Gets Teen Sent Home


A Tennessee student was sent home for wearing a t-shirt (above) that reads "I Love Lady Gay Gay". The school has said the shirt would cause a "disruption" to the educational process. When I was a high schooler I was suspended because my underground newspaper caused a disturbance. I never liked this rule, and felt it left way to much power in the hands of the administration. Information can be a major disruption -- for example, what about a class discussion about how neo-con groups fabricated reports that led to the escalation of the cold war in the early 80's-- that might disrupt some peoples realities. Education SHOULD be disruptive -- we should be disrupting kids worldviews on a DAILY BASIS and causing fundamental changes in the way they view the world. If your students are still holding on to some Iron age belief system that says "being gay is wrong", you shouldn't need to protect students from the truth that we are all people and should be treated equally with respect and dignity. 

STORY: School Sends Teen Wearing 'Gay' Shirt Home


Memphis mom charged with using sword to threaten school employees

Story: Memphis mom charged with using sword to threaten school employees

I find that most of the problems parents have with schools can be resolved by acting out fight scenes from Conan the Destroyer. And sometimes if you don't have the guts to run through the hallways of an elementary school flailing a sword, all you need to do is chug 40 oz of Colt 45 malt liquor first. Oh by the way, the reason the mom was angry was because her daughter and a classmate had a spitting match. Mother of the Year candidate?


Teacher Accused of Shooting Two Principals



After hearing he wasn't getting his job back next year, this teacher decided to go down in a blaze of glory and start shooting any principal he saw. Unfortunately, it's not 1850 and you can't just jump on your horse and ride out of town scott free. With double attempted homicide charges on your resume, I doubt any other school will be looking to pick up his contract either.


Teacher pleads guilty to stealing Adderall from students

Story: Twin Springs teacher pleads guilty in case involving student's ADHD medication

Nothing like raiding the cabinets for childrens meds. The teacher was caught because he was reported as being "extra-attentive" in class.


Teacher charged with vandalizing Portland school

Story: Teacher charged with vandalizing Portland school

50 is a good age to start scratching items off your Bucket List, right? We're not sure if this teacher had one, but we do know she can now die knowing she trashed a school with sardines and condoms. I have no idea what the relationship is between those two objects, except maybe they had both been collecting dust at her home ever since she lost her sanity.


Student Suspended 180 Days For Facebook Message


Story: Student Suspended 180 Days For Facebook Message

A couple girls at his school were threatening to fight each other via facebook messages. Keshaun Harley chimed in and posted, "You're not going to bust a grape." While I'd like to believe he was just quoting an LL Cool J song, the principal is chalking this up to "cyber-bullying" and suspending the boy an entire school year. Oh, and let's remind everyone that none of this took place on school property. The principal allegedly spent the night looking in a mirror flexing and saying "You're the man!"


English Teacher Accused Of Sleeping In Class


Story: English Teacher Accused Of Sleeping In Class

I've heard that some old literature can be boring, but it's not recommended to prove that by passing out in class. Hopefully she had some pleasant dreams about her plans after she loses her job.


Teacher charged with stealing lunch money

Story: City teacher charged with stealing lunch money

Vote For a Punchline:

-Everyone always wondered how she could afford such gourmet lunches.
-You know times are tough when you're robbing 9-year olds.
-There goes her 'Teacher of the Year' vote.
-She was also allegedly calling students with glasses "Four-Eyes."


Fake nurse examines students at Mid-South high school

Story: Fake nurse examines students at Mid-South high school

Everyone is trying to figure out how a woman who posed as a nurse was allowed into the school and proceeded to give almost 100 students physicals. If a fake costume is all you need to breach security, then this school is gonna have a nightmare on their hands when Halloween comes.


Teacher Busted For Selling Cocaine

Story: Teacher Busted For Selling Cocaine


Maybe the real story should be that he was already teaching with the following achievements on his resume: "battery, DUI, possession of crack and marijuana charges." Some school districts really know how to hire winners!


Teacher Accused of Pushing Pills

Story: Teacher Accused of Pushing Pills

As a teacher, his hobbies included grading papers, giving pop-quizzes, and creating false prescriptions for Hydro-codone and Xanax. It's great that him and his wife have developed a common interest. It's just a shame that the cost was embarrasing himself in front of an entire school district and community.


Memphis School Teacher Arrested; Fondling Student, Gun Charges




I happen to be aware of the fact that you are not allowed to fondle 15-year old students in school. I also know that you can't bring guns and knives to school. This teacher must have missed both those memos. If you were wondering why he thinks he can get away with actions like this, just last week his principal was arrested for dowloading students' cell phone sex videos on his computer without alerting proper officials. Sounds like a train wreck in Memphis- the same city that firmly believes in the effectiveness of paddling students.


Students Put Germ-X In Teacher's Coffee


Story: Students Put Germ-X In Teacher's Coffee

Dudes, it's CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE, not Germ-X!


Teacher Accused Of Getting Teen Drunk

Story: Teacher Accused Of Getting Teen Drunk

While playing drinking games with a 16-year old, the underage girl "got sick." This most likely means she puked, blacked out, and maybe needed her stomach pumped. Following the tone of irresponsible behavior, the teacher/host did not seek medical attention. What a shock! For the record, the legal drinking age in Tennessee is still 21.


Teacher arrested on charges of secretly filming teenagers having sex



You tell me, does this guy [photo] seem creepy at all? Some teachers extra-curricular activities include jogging, camping, scrapbooking, or shopping. For others, it is filming child pornography in your house. That's kind of where you draw the line between people who should be in our schools, and those who should not be within 400 yards of one.


Heavy Hitter of the Weak: Bernal Smith II PLUS Exclusive Interview



Bernal Smith II oversees the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences(a publicly funded charter school) that publicly whips and paddles students every Friday in the "Chapel" ritual. CBS affiliate WREG broke the story last week.

Tell Bernal Congrats!
Email:
bsmith2030@msn.com
Phone:
901-626-3994

BONUS! Exclusive Email Exchange Interview with Bernal Smith II

From the interview

DetentionSlip: Perhaps you could cite the 2 or 3 most influential studies you have reviewed which support the use of corporal punishment?

Bernal: No unfortunately I can't cite any studies.

The exclusive full interview is here....


This is the full email exchange that took place between DetentionSlip and Bernal Smith II on Wed. April 1st, 2009:

DetentionSlip : We are interested in talking to you with regard to the corporal punishment issue at your school.

Bernal: With this quote on your blog--- "The director of the board for MAHS, Bernal Smith II, was unavailable for comment on whether or not he beats his wife publicly when she is "out of line"." Are you serious???? Obviously in addition to having a warped sense of humor you are anti-corporal punishment and like some of the other folks we've encountered have no interest in the truth, but only in promoting lies and sensational fairy tales to denigrate our school and advance your agenda. No thank you.

DetentionSlip: Our main question for you would be: If there was an effective alternative to corporal punishment (i.e. as effective or more effective), wouldn't you feel required to use it?

Bernal: As long as it is lawful within the state of TN we will reserve the right to use corporal punishment as a component of our discipline program.

DetentionSlip: What I'm trying to find out though, is that if you felt there were better, more efficient means, if you'd still use corporal punishment. From the sound of that answer, it seems yes?

Bernal: Every available lawful option to maintain discipline, safety, security and order within our school will be effectively deployed.

DetentionSlip: You are a very smart guy. But could you answer the question with a yes or no? If there was a means of disciplining students that was proven to be more effective and have no long term negative effects, wouldn't this be a better option than corporal punishment.

In other words, when it is possible to discipline students WITHOUT corporal punishment, you wouldn't just use it anyway would you?

Bernal: We utilize DIVERSE forms of discipline and apply the appropriate form of discipline warranted at the time to bring about behavior modification, reflection and learning. These forms include at times corporal punishment.

DetentionSlip: When there are demonstrated effective alternatives to corporal punishment, is it your policy to use those FIRST?

How do you respond to the American Pediatrics Association, The American Psychology Association, and The United Nations, among others, whom all agree corporal punishment is not effective and should not be used?

Could you provide our readers with the body of research you are basing your claims that corporal punishment is "the appropriate form of discipline"?

Surely you teach the scientific method in your science curriculum; how do you justify your actions in the face of overwhelming research that finds corporal punishment has at best, short term effects, and at worst, severely detrimental long term effects -- in addition, that there are proven methods which are more effective at behavior modification which are being used in urban schools like yours, across the USA?

Bernal: You should be careful in the use of your articles. There is a significant difference between "a" and "the". Obviously you are a smart man and know that there is also a significant body of scientific research which supports the use of corporal punishment. (I've choosen[sic] to read and understand both sides not ignore one because it doesn't support my personal beliefs) I've gone down this road with your colleagues. As I mentioned we use diverse forms of discipline and apply them as neccessary [sic] given the specific circumstances. We will be having a significant media event at which we will discuss in detail our policies and procedures. You will be able to garner additional insight at that point.

DetentionSlip: Perhaps you could cite the 2 or 3 most influential studies you have reviewed which support the use of corporal punishment?

Bernal: No unfortunately I can't cite any studies. Any research that I have done is purely for my own personally knowledge. It is not my position to endorse anyone's work in this area nor to be a subject matter expert. I am sure there are other means by which you can obtain access to the information, individuals and organizations that you are seeking. You seem to be relatively resourceful. I would advise as I do with my children, to seek out the truth for yourself. Conduct your own research, discover credible sources of information, study those sources and draw your own conclusions.


To get involved with ending corporal punishment, visit activist Paula Flowe's site, http://nospank.net/hsh-tn.htm

Ms. Flowe is in Memphis right now working to end this, and DetentionSlip.org provided her with a bullhorn to stir things up.



Mass Public Student Paddlings in Memphis


Story: MAHS Charter School corporal punishment - WREG

The way this is breaking down is, once a week, all the students are gathered together in an assembly. Then, any who have been in trouble the previous week are sent on stage and paddled in front of the entire student body.

"We tell our parents up front. Corporal punishment is a part of our discipline program. It's a part of what allows us to keep a safe sound environment in our school."

The director of the board for MAHS, Bernal Smith II, was unavailable for comment on whether or not he beats his wife publicly when she is "out of line".


We are looking for actual video of this paddling ritual, so, students & teachers, please send cell phone video recordings to : tips@detentionslip.org



Bus Driver Supervisor Paid Kids to Strangle Him

Story: Man Paid Kids To Strangle Him, Say Police


Nothing spells 'perfect weekend' better than some videotape and a couple of young boys willing to choke you while you fulfill your sexual fantasies. Maybe the parents of these boys should look into getting them a paper route to make some extra cash instead.


 
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