Discipline, subs concern middle school

Problems with substitute teachers and student discipline were at the forefront of a meeting Monday night between parents, teachers and administrators at Central Middle School.

Parents expressed concern over the number of days teachers at the middle school are out for professional training each year. At times this year, all of the fifth-grade teachers or all of the sixth-grade teachers have been in training on a particular day.

Having all of a grade's teachers out on one day creates discipline problems, parents said.

Principal Frank Ellis said the school has plans to cut down on professional development days next year and to address discipline problems that occur when teachers are absent.

For example, Ellis and assistant principal Debra Followell have set up desks in the hallways near classrooms being taught by substitutes. Also discussed was special training for substitutes and increasing substitute pay to attract better candidates.

Susan King, the parent of a sixth-grader, said she feels it's not just up to the school to make students behave around substitutes.

"I feel we're putting a lot on the school district," King said. "If we have a child misbehaving at school, is that just a school issue, or should that be an issue at home too?"

Assistant superintendent Dr. Betty Chong said the district is considering implementing districtwide and buildingwide training for subs.

"We are listening to you. Please give us a chance to remediate the problems," Chong told parents.

Parents at the meeting also received an overview of students' test scores in subjects, including communication arts and math. They also learned more about the middle school's status as an accelerated school, a three-year program paid for through a federal grant.

Teachers discussed techniques they're currently using in their classrooms, including a hands-on approach in science and social studies that uses study guides instead of textbooks.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128