Schoolroom discipline is a popular topic here at N2P, so I eyed with interest this article on East Baltimore's self-policing students (registration required).
Since it was established in November, the East Baltimore school's Student Court has handled about two dozen trials, including one involving two students who fought during an assembly attended by several Ravens players, an incident that deeply embarrassed the school.Courts run by teenagers have existed in schools and communities across the country, including in the Baltimore region. Some teen courts handle nonschool offenses and serve as alternatives to the criminal justice system, giving young offenders a taste of the courtroom without its dire consequences. Others, like the one at School No. 426, located in the Lake Clifton High School complex, aim to create a sense of order and community within a student body.
The process, to me, sounds worlds away from - and better than - zero tolerance:
Jazmine Murchison, a petite 17-year-old serving as the teacher's lawyer, laid out the offenses: the student had been insubordinate, disregarded an instruction, skipped detention and exhibited a pattern of misconduct.The issue of guilt or innocence was not at issue. For the students who act as judge and jury, the goal in these cases is to get a full account of the defendant's offense and decide on an appropriate penalty, such as an apology or community service. The court takes into account circumstances surrounding the offense and notes whether the student is sorry.
(Via the Education Wonks.)
Posted by kswygert at March 4, 2005 06:44 AM