[summer]

You have a point, but this article makes a valid point too -- the behavior of some kids is just out of control. And, it costs a ton of money to then place these kids in alternative schools.

[Clemenza]

When I was a kid in Nassau County, NY, all the teacher would do to shut some of us "good kids" up is tell us that we would be sent to "BOCES." BOCES, of course, was our "alternative school, who students would largely go on to Sing Sing following their first year of freedom after graduation.

[Tai_Chung]

And, it costs a ton of money to then place these kids in alternative schools.

I don't believe that it should be considered a "right" to go to a public school. If you get yourself kicked out, you should be forced to find your own "alternative schools" at your own expense.

In Taiwan, the public schools are separated by skill level. A student must take a national exam that is used to deterimine which public school you'll be accepted to. All the top students will be in the same school, average students will be in another school, etc. This national exam is given before entering junior high school and high school.

Also, a teacher will visit the student's home if the student is having disipline or academic problems.

Students are responsible for cleaning the school, including the restrooms. Each class is assigned a specific area that must clean. Areas of responsibility are rotated to different classes each week. The area is inspected and results are posted for each class. No teacher wants her class to be near the bottom of the list. I bet American students would consider this abuse.

Teachers have more respect in Taiwan. I believe the American teachers will not start getting respect again until a fundamental change in how we approach education is achieved.