Control in the classroom

The front-page article ''Southern Schools Rethink Sparing the Rod,'' June 21, was disappointing. To think that a child must fear school is appalling.Having recently graduated from high school with plans to become a teacher, I realize the importance of maintaining control in the classroom. The way to do it is to hold the interest of your students, so that they will learn and not feel they must entertain their peers.

When children are ''walloped 20 times on the backside as classmates watch'' it creates a violent and fearful environment. If school turns into a threatening place, children will not want to be there. Counseling and parent intervention are desperately needed.

Amy Hall Idaho Falls, Idaho

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