Texas Schools Reported Over 11,000 Corporal Punishments
Parents in Texas districts allowing corporal punishment can opt their children out by submitting a signed statement to the school.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Special Education
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During the 2021-2022 school year, Texas schools administered 11,360 instances of corporal punishment. This figure reflects the practice in 580 out of 8,924 public schools across the state.
Why it matters
The data indicates that students with disabilities are disproportionately affected, representing 28% of corporal punishment cases while making up 13% of the total student population.
Corporal punishment occurred at a rate of 2 incidents per 1,000 students during the 2021-2022 school year. While Alvarado Independent School District has banned the practice, it remains permitted in Texas and 14 other states.
The players
Alvarado Independent School District
A Texas school district that has implemented a policy banning the use of corporal punishment for students.
American Psychological Association
A professional organization that has publicly advocated against the use of corporal punishment in school environments since 2008.
The details
In districts where the practice remains permitted, schools typically contact parents for permission before administering corporal punishment to a student. Parents retain the right to opt their children out of these disciplinary measures by providing a formal signed statement to their local school district office. The use of disciplinary actions continues to face scrutiny, particularly given that students with disabilities represent a notably higher share of these incidents than their general population share.
Timeline
2021-2022 school year: Federal data collection period for incident rates.
2008: Year the American Psychological Association began formally opposing school-based corporal punishment.
The Home Front
The prevalence of these disciplinary practices highlights a persistent gap between local district policies and national professional standards regarding student welfare. This discrepancy remains a point of contention for parents navigating school disciplinary codes across the state.
Review your specific school district handbook to understand the current disciplinary code and whether corporal punishment is an authorized practice. If you choose to opt your student out of such measures, submit a signed written statement to the school administration immediately to ensure it is on file.
The takeaway
Understanding your district's specific disciplinary policy is a vital step for every parent. Keep a copy of any signed opt-out documentation in your family records to ensure your child's protection at school.
Further reading
For more information on navigating school policies, visit the Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KERA.
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