>Perhaps he is referring to something along these lines:
>
>http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/4884276.html
>
>??
That's a part of it, but I was really talking more about the loss of control, which I guess includes the items referenced in the article.

Here is an excerpt from a story in yesterday's local paper:

Punishing replies
Deep frustration with Blue Ribbon brings some critics of school policy to tears
By Dakarai I. Aarons (Contact)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Nearly 100 mostly angry parents, teachers and students filed into Whitehaven High School's auditorium Monday night to tell members of the Memphis Board of Education about their frustration with the Blue Ribbon behavior initiative.

The behavior plan was implemented in fall 2005 after then-Supt. Carol Johnson lobbied the board to end corporal punishment in schools.

The behavior plan has brought alternative schools for students who misbehave and more in-school suspensions and counseling.

But most of the parents and teachers who spoke Monday said the plan isn't working.

Veteran teacher Martha Shaw was reduced to tears as she told board members her frustrations.

"School is just not a real pleasant place to be anymore. If children are never brought under control, you can't teach them," she said.

Children come to school unprepared and without fear of consequences for their negative behavior, Shaw said. It was a complaint echoed by several teachers.

Teacher Tonya Duncan said that while corporal punishment may not be what is needed, it provided a real threat for students.

"It is a travesty that teachers don't have any leverage for children in the classroom," she said. "If we don't do something quick, fast, and in a hurry, every child, every day is going to be left behind."

I think these parents and teachers know what needs to be done. The school board is totally disconnected. Liberals!