Teachers’ rights ? by Legal Cerebral Reporter

The current hand-wringing over unfair exclusions represents yet another attack on the autonomy of schools. The current deplorable state of affairs has been brought about by the obsession with making learning “fun” while dismantling discipline. Meanwhile, teachers must “include” chronically disruptive pupils even though they pose a serious threat to others’ learning. Zero tolerance is the only way to manage modern schools. Any teacher will tell you that you allow petty transgression to build up at your peril. If you have a rule you’d better stick to it, whether it is school uniform, litter or a veto on secret filming in lessons. Special pleading on behalf of “victimised” pupils is a predictable but dangerous response when the sanctions available to schools are minimal and constantly under attack.While the rights of misbehaving pupils and their parents are constantly invoked and their responsibilities remain vague, many schools remain in a state of siege. Is it any wonder that they employ desperate measures so that some teaching can go on?