By a vote of 14 to 2, Alex Barton's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class last Wednesday. The 5-year-old boy was made to stand in front of the class as classmates were invited to tell him what they didn't like about him. The other children called Alex "disgusting" and "annoying." Alex's mother, Melissa Barton, says she is considering legal action.
After the vote, teacher Wendy Portillo asked Alex how he felt. "Sad," he replied. The Florida State Attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet criteria for emotional child abuse, so no charges will be filed against Portillo.
Alex Barton, age 5, is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He has often been sent to the principal's office for various disciplinary issues, which his family feels are connected to his disability. Asperger's Syndrome is an Autism spectrum condition that can affect the development of speech and social skills. Children with Asperger's Syndrome sometimes exhibit social isolation and unusual behavior. Many adults with Asperger's Syndrome see it as an advantage, rather than a disability. Some researchers feel that Einstein, Socrates, and many other prominent figures throughout history had Asperger's Syndrome.
Does "Survivor: Kindergarten" have a place in the modern educational system? Is this type of discipline appropriate for a young boy with a disability affecting his social development? Over 50 bloggers, including many bloggers with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome have participated in a blogstorm that supports Barton's family and opposes the reality-show style punishment Alex received.
What do you think? Creative discipline for a problem child, or emotional abuse? Should charges have been filed? Should Portillo continue to teach kindergarten? Leave a comment, or talk about it in Discussions.
