-
Apr 13, 2008 12:33 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Teacher's Beating By Student Sparks Action
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
The image of Baltimore City's school system is being stained on a national stage.
Dennis Edwards reports days after a disturbing attack that was captured on a cell phone made headlines, city and state leaders are calling for action.
Baltimore school officials will announce specific steps to deal with violence on Monday or Tuesday. This as the new schools CEO toughens his position to include promises of immediate and forceful action.
A 10th grader was captured beating art teacher Jolita Berry on cell phone video. Other students encouraged the violence with every punch and kick.
Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Andres Alonso's initial reaction was guarded.
"The protocols are in place. We're doing what we need to do in terms of reporting," said Alonso.
But later, Dr. Alonso shifted to a tougher tone when public criticism arose over the assault of another teacher at Mervo High School. A staff member was also injured in a fight at Renaissance Academy and reports of more than 100 incidents of violence have been pointed out this year.
"Fights are like lunch period, it's common. It happens everyday," said student Laurene Bell.
"We take any disruption of the learning experience extremely seriously and will respond immediately and forcefully to any disruption," said Alonso.
He promised a full investigation of students' and teachers' behavior as well as the actions of school administrators.
"They cannot teach in a dangerous environment. It has to be safe for all. I think this is a minority, the case, but we've got to get a handle over it," said Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Parents at Walbrook High School's lacrosse game Friday told
Eyewitness News they believe the problem is two-fold.
They say parents must take more control over their children, and the school system must take more aggressive action against violent offenders.
"If a child is a part of a violent act and they're allowed to remain in school, I think it sends the wrong message to the other kids," said parent Denise Bouknight.
"The parents, some of them are dropping the ball. They send them to school and that's it. They need to find out what they're doing in school," said Gralen Lewis.
School officials are now developing a specific plan this weekend.
One official says it will be an action plan that also includes the use of volunteers in troubled schools.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Pages