Ensuring Safety and Respect in Schools
A Critical Look at Oklahoma's Senate Bill 364
At Candy Apple Advocacy, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe and respected in their educational environment. Recently, Oklahoma's Senate Bill 364, which aims to prohibit corporal punishment for students with significant cognitive disabilities, has sparked an important conversation about the broader implications of such measures in schools.
The bill states that "school district personnel shall be prohibited from using corporal punishment on students identified with the most significant cognitive disabilities." This is a commendable step toward maintaining dignity and respect for all students, especially those who may not have the capacity to understand or resist such punitive measures.
However, this raises a critical question: Shouldn't these protections extend to all students, not just those with disabilities? As highlighted by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), there are strong opinions about the effectiveness of corporal punishment. While some argue it mitigates disruptive behavior, the ethical implications and psychological consequences on students cannot be overlooked.
"At Candy Apple Advocacy, we firmly believe that non-violent methods are essential for fostering a healthy school environment that supports students' emotional and psychological well-being."
The removal of waivers allowing exceptions in administering corporal punishment marks progress, but it emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems within schools. Educators require training on positive behavioral interventions and strategies that promote a culture of discipline grounded in respect, collaboration, and understanding. While Senate Bill 364 is a positive step, a broader framework is necessary to cultivate an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
The full text of Senate Bill 364 can be accessed here for those interested in exploring the specifics of the proposed law, along with additional insights available from the OICA.
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"Together, we can build a future where all students are protected and supported in their educational journey."
In the news…
Cyber charter schools are gaining popularity across the United States, particularly in Pennsylvania, as families seek flexible education options. This growth is reshaping the educational landscape, especially in Berks County, where local families are drawn to the personalized learning opportunities these schools provide. However, challenges arise regarding the impact on traditional public schools, funding issues, and concerns about social development and education quality.
A performance audit conducted by Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor revealed that five cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania increased their revenues by $425 million and reserves by 144% from 2020 to 2023, largely due to an outdated funding formula. The audit recommends a review and overhaul of the funding system to better reflect actual educational costs and set limits on reserve funds.
The Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus emphasizes the urgent need for reform in cyber charter schools, supported by a recent report from Republican Auditor General Timothy DeFoor. The report highlights significant issues such as outdated funding formulas that result in excessive revenues and fund balances for cyber charter schools, allowing irresponsible spending practices. The proposed reforms include establishing a single statewide tuition rate, increased oversight from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a task force aimed at creating a fair funding structure.
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Representative Joe Webster's proposed legislation aims to enhance career readiness for students with disabilities by requiring Pennsylvania school districts to employ at least one classroom-to-workplace coordinator for each high school. These coordinators will provide essential support, guiding students in their transition to the workforce and helping secure job placements, ultimately fostering independence and contributing positively to the state's economy.
Representative Joe Webster proposes legislation to encourage Pennsylvania employers to create and support apprenticeship programs by offering tax credits for those who sponsor certified programs. The initiative aims to enhance workforce quality, support disadvantaged youth, and ultimately strengthen the state's economy.
Representative Tarik Khan, along with Representatives Jamie L. Flick, Melissa Cerrato, and Liz Hanbidge, emphasizes the critical need for improving playground accessibility in Pennsylvania to ensure that children with disabilities can engage in play. They plan to introduce legislation that mandates the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to prioritize grant funding for park and recreation projects that enhance playground inclusivity, following the successful model established by Philadelphia.
Representative James B. Struzzi, II is proposing legislation to allow Pennsylvania schools to use 12-passenger vans for student transportation, addressing current limitations where only 10-passenger vans are permitted without a Commercial Driver's License. This change aims to alleviate logistical challenges faced by schools, reduce transportation costs, and respond to a shortage of school bus drivers, while ensuring safe transport for students.
Representative Napoleon J. Nelson calls attention to the shortcomings in Pennsylvania's public education system following a Commonwealth Court ruling that deemed it unconstitutionally underfunded. He emphasizes the urgent need to improve fundamental reading and math skills among students, particularly among Black and Hispanic demographics, who are currently lagging significantly behind grade level expectations. To address these issues, Nelson plans to introduce legislation to retain students who do not meet proficiency standards in reading and math before they advance to higher grades.
Representatives David H. Zimmerman and Joseph D'Orsie are reintroducing the Student and Teacher Support Act, also known as the "Chaplain Bill," which aims to allow public schools to employ or approve certified school chaplains. The proposed legislation is backed by international data indicating significant improvements in graduation rates, decreases in teen pregnancies and suicides, and enhanced overall school environment metrics where chaplains are present. The representatives urge fellow House members to co-sponsor this act to provide necessary support for teachers and students.
Representative Sheryl M. Delozier plans to reintroduce legislation to amend the Child Protective Services Law by updating the definition of “sexual abuse or exploitation” to encompass trafficking in minors and involuntary sexual servitude. This initiative acknowledges the link between factors contributing to child abuse and the vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.
Representatives Dan L. Miller and Jim Prokopiak are proposing legislation in Pennsylvania that mandates public schools to pay education support professionals (ESPs) a living wage of at least $20/hour, aimed at addressing the staffing crisis in schools. Many ESPs currently earn below a living wage, forcing them to work multiple jobs or leave their positions for better-paying opportunities. The legislation seeks to stabilize the education workforce by ensuring fair compensation for these essential workers, with the Department of Education providing reimbursements to help schools implement these wage increases.
Representative Paul Friel has raised concerns about the funding system for Pennsylvania's cyber charter schools, highlighted by a recent audit from Auditor General DeFoor. The audit reveals that cyber charters are receiving significantly more taxpayer funds than necessary for education, leading to large fund balances that do not benefit Pennsylvania students. Friel proposes legislative reforms aimed at rectifying these funding discrepancies, allowing for the retrieval of excess funds and clearer regulations regarding allowable expenses.