School teachers and administrators say they're struggling to maintain discipline in the classroom and are asking the Legislature for help with ideas to deal with unruly students.
Several administrators testified Thursday before the Senate Education Committee. Shawnee Republican Sen. Ron Sharp, a retired educator who taught for more than 30 years, says he requested the interim study after hearing from constituents and educators.
Sharp says a lack of student discipline is "one of the most serious problems" facing the state.
Dale Superintendent Charlie Dickinson says motivated, passionate teachers are the best way to combat poor student discipline, but he says many teachers already feel overworked and undervalued.
Sharp says he's considering a bill to make it a felony for a student to assault a teacher.