Three-year UK Government study into bad classroom behaviour

According to a major review by Sir Alan Steer Schools will be encouraged to return to traditional methods such as detentions etc along with orders to remove caps and confiscate mobile phones. Under New Labour some years ago good behaviour was to be financially rewarded (bribes) but seemingly that has been overtaken by a free lottery scheme in winning prizes like TV’s and iPods etc. What is most surprising from the new guidance is that Schools be accountable for a Students behaviour outside the School Gates whereas Ed Balls ( Schools Secretary ) makes a middle of the road statement by saying parents had to share the responsibility for maintaining order yet then goes on to announce that parents tell him they want tougher action in Schools. Mr Donaldson on the other hand, an activist from Sandwell and speaking at the NASUWT conference made reference to the US in saying “…In America they are saying adults should be seen but not heard …….. and that we are going down that road…..”. He’s absolutely correct and should he peer down from a satellite he would probably see a pattern emerging as to other situations too – like that of British Cultural changes and British economical changes based upon take take take as to private finance which stuffs its pockets with bonuses at the expense of Public Services and people “care”. More for less as PM Brown promotes a spending culture little understanding the effects on STANDARDS.  
 
In entering onto School Property one enters into a Schooling domain – an Educational Establishment having standards as to policies clearly outlined both for Teachers and Students. In my day, whether in School or at a College, bad behaviour meant standing in the corridor outside the classroom to which all passing staff then became aware of prospective problems in their subsequent classes that day. School documentation shows either improvements or lack of improvement as to character besides that of simply achieving high grades. During my years as a Lecturer I came across one bad behaviour Student whom presented problems not only to myself but to other lecturers too and so it was arranged that the Students Training Officer visit the College and witness events for himself through a glazed panel in the classroom door. It wasn’t long before he knocked on the door and courteously asked for that Student to be excused to which the Student “settled down” and achieved high marks.  
 
In commending Mr Donaldson for his observations as to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />US I would also recommend he look at the Education Systems in other Countries. In one Country the 4 year teaching experience begins with a one week military training programme providing Students an Identity as to their Country following which the School Day begins early and finishes late with Sunday Afternoons their free time to venture outside the School Gates. No its not a prison and both the Students and Teachers have respect for one another as well as Student respect towards others outside the School Gates!.
 
In finishing I would like to mention an event which happened some 2.5 years ago while walking back to my house near Queens Park in Crewe (UK). The road was deserted except for two 5 year old girls ( I’d say ) on the opposite side of the road whom were watching me. In acknowledging their presence with a smile while walking I was then verbally abused with the words “who the f***ing hell are you looking at you old b***stard”. That's still in my mind from 2.5 years ago for two reasons (1) I hate swearing and (2) it was an indication as to the path of decline in British Standards which are now being realised under a New Labour Government!.