In one of my Jr Hi classes, the instructor was a sort of "old-fart" (by Jr. Hi/Middle school standards) who believed that "responsibility" in a work environment was part of what he needed to teach. (shop classes)

"Spats" were a regular part of the routine, subject to rather strict standards.

The student was given the option of accepting a specified number of "spats," OR of being required to "stay after" in the punishment study hall.

The spats were administered in class, with the entire class present.

The recipient was required to autograph the "spat board" at completion of the punishment.

Abuse of the recipient, or in fact any future reference once the student faced up and took the "punishment" - or bragging about how much (or little) it hurt, was also a "spattable offense."

1. Misbehaviour acknowledged.
2. Punishment chosen by the student, with realistic options available.
3. Punishment administered and accepted in the presence of all peers.

4. CASE CLOSED.

[point 4 is the most important, IMO]

No student EVER chose any punishment that was offered other than "take it and be done with it."

No one ever had a real problem returning to his (an all male class at that time) seat and resuming the class.

This teacher was highly respected, with, in most cases, as much "affection" as Middle School students can muster. Class discipline contributed to an unusually favorable learning environment. Unlike other similar classes, in the presence of mildly hazardous machines and materials, his class had NO INJURIES during, so far as I know, his entire tenure at the school.

What he did probably was "illegal" even then, but you'd have had a very difficult time finding one of his students who would support any complaint about him.

A Kansas legislator is attempting to introduce a bill to permit corporal punishment in the schools. If I could expect Mr. S's standards, I might support it; but I'm afraid the legislator hasn't had my advantage and experience, and likely will f**** it up, so I'm reserving an opinion. (It's unlikely his bill wil be seriously considered.)

John