Pupil discipline 'quick-fix' criticised

Indiscipline is a growing problem

Projects to tackle discipline in Scotland's schools will only work if there is guaranteed long-term funding, according to Scotland's largest teaching union.

The Educational Institute of Scotland says school discipline will take more than just a "one-off quick-fix handout" from the Scottish Executive.

Last month, new measures were announced to crack down on badly behaved pupils in Scotland's schools.

Ronnie Smith: Long term commitment needed

The country's new Education Minister, Cathy Jamieson, pledged that the action plan would promote "positive behaviour" in the classroom.

She earmarked £1m over three years to help identify discipline problems early on.

Some £3m was also set aside to help local authorities review how they implement policies to combat poor discipline in schools.

And £10m will be used to establish specialist facilities to educate troublesome pupils outside the classroom.

Discipline task force

Over time, the level of pupil indiscipline in Scotland's schools has been rising.

The discipline task force set up last year identified a number of ways to deal with the problem.

But the EIS' general secretary Ronnie Smith has warning that most of its recommendations are costly and that addressing pupil indiscipline requires "long-term commitment".

He said that while teachers welcome the fact the government has recognised the seriousness of the situation, they still want reassurance there will be enough money for the discipline action plan.

The Scottish Executive says it is committed to tackling pupil behaviour in a number ways and will work closely with teachers to ensure the smooth implementation of the action plan.