[Vision2020] Accountability in Declo Idaho

[Rosemary Huskey]

Idaho teacher whose 4th graders used markers on classmates' faces now
subject of complaint


Published November 20, 2012

Associated Press

DECLO, Idaho -  A southern Idaho teacher whose students used a permanent
marker on the faces of classmates who fell short of reading goals is the
subject of a formal complaint.

Cassia County School District officials said Monday that they filed the
complaint against Declo Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Summer
Larsen. The Idaho State Department of Education's Professional Standards
Commission, which has the power to suspend or revoke teaching licenses, will
examine the case, the Twin Falls Times-News (http://bit.ly/UcSdwv) reported.

Some parents and administrators said the face-marking punishments given to
six students in Larsen's class were inappropriate and left the children
feeling shamed.

One 10-year-old came home in tears after his entire face, including his
eyelids, had been scribbled on with green, red and purple markers.

The students were allowed to choose their own incentive to meet the reading
goal. But instead of a reward, the class chose a punishment: Students who
failed to meet the goal could either stay inside at recess until it was met,
or have their faces written on by classmates who met the goals.

Nine students didn't meet the goals, the paper reported Friday. Three chose
to forgo recess, and the other six opted to have their faces marked on.

The ink was difficult to wash off, and some of the children said they felt
humiliated - especially when they had to ride the bus home.

"The investigation on this is also ongoing in the district," said Cassia
County School District Superintendent Galen Smyer, declining to give
specifics on the complaint other than to say it's a "personnel issue."

He said Larsen remains employed with the district but he wouldn't confirm
whether she was placed on administrative leave.

Efforts to contact Larsen were unsuccessful."






 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.fsr.com/pipermail/vision2020/attachments/20121120/f25a9316/attachment.html>