TO EDUCATE THE CHILD IS TO INSTILL DISCIPLINE FIRST
Discipline directs individuals as well as collective behaviors toward the harmonious attainment of the desired goals. In application in the school system, it conjecture in the five elements of the school system; school administrator, the teaching staff, the students, the parents and community. Each elements needs discipline to fulfil responsibilities in the attainment of mission, vision, goals and objectives of the school.
There are different sources about instilling discipline. These are the Philosophy, Corporation Law, Civil Code, the Revised Penal Code and Batas Pambansa Blg.232 or Education Act of 1982.
By Philosophy, schools should really impose discipline within its sphere of operation even without the law. It is important to induce the people involved in the school system to have discipline and follow rules and regulations that are being enforced in school to maintain peace and order and to reach the desired goal.
The corporate right of the schools to impose discipline is implied from the expressed power granted to legally organized corporations under Section 13 (3) of Act no. 1459 or the Corporation Law. It provides the right to transact the business, for which it has been organized, and to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as maybe reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose. This applies particularly to Private schools Act No. 2706.
Another source was the Civil Code. It pertinently defines the position of teachers and professors in relation to their students. It demands ideal supervision over the conduct of the students. The administrators and teachers of the school are under the in-loco parentis principle with the responsibilities entailed with it. In Art.352 discussed about the corporal punishment be countenanced. The teachers and professors shall cultivate the best potentialities of the students and pupils.
Batas Pambansa 232 or Education Act of 1982 provides latest and more specific provisions on rights, duties of parents in relation to education. The provision under Rule 11 and 111 of the law will enhance further the promotion of discipline in the educational communities.
There were also limitations in giving school discipline since students have certain well-defined rights under existing laws. It was stated that no penalty shall be imposed upon any student, except for cause as defined by the manual in the school’s rules and regulations duly promulgated and only after due investigation shall have been conducted. The students have still the right to fight for themselves and prove that they are not guilty of certain issue.
Discipline is needed in a classroom management, without this, everything will be in chaos. Learners themselves should have discipline that was developed at home. It should always start in their own home through their parents and guardians. Teachers and parents should still consider the rights of every child. Disciplining children is far from abusing them. We should set our boundaries in terms of teaching them right from wrong. They should be aware of the consequences of their actions.
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The author is Teacher III at City of San Fernando West Integrated School, San Juan, CSFP