Its been a long time since I was in grade school (1960's), but you didn't "act up" then (and get away with it).
Additionally, I went to a private Catholic School....and BELIEVE ME.......punishment was swift and sure. Not saying that no one ever misbehaved, but it didn't last long and was rarely repeated.
One trip to see Mother Superior was all anyone needed to be "scared straight".
About parenting, back then....any punishment dealt out at school usually paled in comparison to what you received at HOME....as a result of misconduct. I suppose these days....a "spanking" would be tantamount to child abuse, sheeeeesh!