Debate Continues Over OKCPS Code Of Conduct Changes

How to best discipline children in school so they behave has become heated debate in Oklahoma City. 

In an effort to reduce suspensions, Superintendent Rob Neu thinks OKC public schools needs a new student code of conduct policy; one that may include interventions for students.

“It can’t fall on the shoulders of teachers,” said Teacher Union President, Ed Allen

Allen thinks the plan presented to him by Neu places too much of burden on Teachers.

“It’s not that kids don’t need the intervention, but the professionals ought to be doing that, the social workers, the counsellors. Teachers don’t have the time or the training,” said Allen.

Allen said it would be too much time spent outside the classroom for teachers. The other flaw, according to Allen, is a concern that disruptive students would remain in the classroom.

“Not only are you putting up with the bad behavior, every other child in that classroom has less of a chance to learn and excel because the disruptive student is dominating that classroom,” added Allen.

The district acknowledged a delay in the new student code of conduct.

"The district has hired so many new administrators that the code of conduct has been delayed, likely until September or October," said Mark Myers, with OKCPS in a statement released Monday.

The district says it's working on an official draft of the new policy.