Early 20th Century (roughly 1900-1950):
* Corporal Punishment: This was extremely prevalent, especially in the earlier part of the century. Striking students with a paddle, ruler, strap, or even a cane was commonplace for infractions ranging from talking in class to more serious misbehavior. The severity varied widely, and some teachers were known to be more lenient or harsh than others. This was accepted by society at large to a much greater degree than it is today.
* Detention: Keeping students after school to complete work or simply sit quietly was another common punishment.
* Extra Work: Assigning additional homework or chores was a frequent method of discipline.
* Suspension: Removal from school for a short period was reserved for more serious offenses.
* Expulsion: Permanent removal from school, typically for very serious transgressions.
* Public Shaming: Practices like making a student stand in a corner, wear a dunce cap, or publicly apologize were not uncommon, especially in elementary schools.
Mid-20th Century (roughly 1950-1980):
* Corporal Punishment: While still practiced, its prevalence began to decline as societal attitudes shifted. Legal challenges to its use started to gain traction.
* Detention and Extra Work: These remained standard punishments.
* Suspension and Expulsion: Continued to be used for more serious infractions.
* Less Public Shaming: The more overt forms of public humiliation started to become less acceptable.
Late 20th Century (roughly 1980-2000):
* Corporal Punishment: Continued its decline, with many states and schools banning it. However, it still persisted in some areas.
* Detention, Extra Work, and Suspension: Remained the most common forms of discipline.
* In-School Suspension: A form of suspension where the student remains in school but is separated from regular classes.
* Increased Emphasis on Behavioral Modification: Approaches like positive reinforcement and counseling became more prevalent.
General Trends Throughout the Century:
* Shifting Societal Attitudes: As the century progressed, societal attitudes towards child discipline evolved, leading to a decrease in the acceptance of corporal punishment and other harsh methods.
* Legal Challenges: Increasingly, school punishments were challenged in court, leading to legal reforms and changes in school policies.
* Increased Awareness of Child Psychology: A growing understanding of child development and psychology influenced disciplinary practices, moving towards more positive and restorative approaches.
* Variability: It's crucial to remember that the experience of school punishment varied tremendously based on location and individual schools.
It's important to note that this is a broad overview, and the reality of school discipline in the 20th century was far more complex and nuanced than can be captured here. The accounts of individuals who experienced these punishments offer a richer understanding of this period.