When Time Out Just Won't Cut It

Nine third-graders have been caught plotting to attack their teacher. Third-graders. They ranged in age from eight to ten years old. 8, 9 and 10 year olds – mad because the teacher had scolded one of them for standing on a chair. The depth of their planning is unbelievably detailed. Waycross Police Chief Tony Tanner said that

the students apparently planned to knock the teacher unconscious with a crystal paperweight, bind her with the handcuffs and tape and then stab her with the knife.

The plan involved a division of roles, in which the students acted out a specific purpose, in which “one child’s job was to cover the windows so no one could see outside … Another was supposed to clean up after the attack.”

Brilliantly mad.

I think it’s important to note that these children have learning disabilities, including attention deficit disorder, delayed development and hyperactivity. But this can’t be a valid excuse for the horrendous plot. Considering the technicalities of the scheme, it seems apparent that these children knew and understood full-well the purpose of their actions. They may not have a complete grasp of the potential results of their actions, but it’s extremely fortunate that it won’t be tested and realized.

I’ve been, and continue to be, an advocate for students. Which is why I am concerned with the bigger picture: how could it have gotten this far? Where exactly did these homicidal ideations come from? The purported target is a veteran educator who claimed that the children involved weren’t known as troublemakers, and they “were considered pretty good kids.” So what happened? What triggered this rapid diminishing of innocence, which was ultimately replaced by evil? Being scolded is only part of that picture. There has to be an underlying reason as to why these students wanted to harm their teacher.

Despite the horrific potential of the scheme, we can’t forget that these students are children. They are 8, 9 and 10 year olds. Placing them in jail or juvenile facilities won’t be very effective. Discipline in the form of more intensive education should be the way to transform these kids into successful members of society. There needs to be a reform in the education of children with learning disabilities. Ultimately, I don’t think it’s fair to give up on these children so quickly, after one incident – albeit an awful one.

Peace.