Legislature 2008: Teachers

A new survey helps explain Gov. Joe Manchin's proposed crackdown on school bullies this session.

A survey of 2,000 teachers and service personnel found that "More than a third of teachers, 36 percent, say they lose 20 percent of instructional time every week to disruptive behavior -- a loss that amounts to one day a week," The Associated Press' Shaya Tayefe Mohajer reports.

"School employees were almost unanimous when it comes to concern about bullies, with 92 percent identifying bullying as a problem at their school or on buses," the article continues.

As Tayefe Mohajer reports, "Manchin has made discipline part of his legislative agenda for this year's session. During last week's State of the State address, he called upon lawmakers to address school bullies and disruptive students."

The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia and the West Virginia School Service Personnel released their survey Wednesday along with recommendations. "The main thrust of the recommendations is strengthening and enforcing the 1995 Safe Schools Act," AP reports.

The Register-Herald reports on the survey and on one Beckley-area lawmaker's reaction, as well as on the related teacher pay raise proposed by Manchin.

The Charleston Gazette has coverage as well.

Update: MetroNews has a story and interviews with AFT-WV's Judy Hale and personnel group chief Bob Brown.