As Washington State students head back to school, many families are anxious about bullying and violent behavior in the classroom. Parents wonder what discipline measures other parents and their school district are using and how this affects their child’s education.
More than one parent has complained that his or her child is being bullied. All too often, it seems as if the laws favor the bully. Where does it end? Is sending your child to school becoming more dangerous than in previous years? How can Washington State improve the game and make schools safer?
Nashika Forsman, a mother from Tacoma in the Franklin-Pierce School District, expressed her concerns, saying, “I felt like my son’s safety and security were put at risk.”
With the new school year underway, ensuring safety is a top priority for districts across Washington. The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recently implemented an “emergency rule” affecting how schools manage student behavior.
While this rule clarifies specific definitions and requires districts to align their policies, it does not substantially alter existing disciplinary procedures. Forsman, however, feels that the current system remains ineffective.