My feeling is that spanking is not so much discipline as an effective means of getting your kids' attention...after you have their undivided, you can make your point more effectively. So, I do prefer not to tie the teachers' hands, but leave the paddling as a last resort when all else fails. I'm sure having a "special needs" child has colored my opinions greatly.

__________________
Plug me into somethin'

If the theory does not conform to the facts, then the facts must be discarded.

No good deed ever goes unpunished

Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, & beat you with experience.