It is different State by State, and School District by School District. In most of the Schools here in Bama, paddling is allowed. However, Parent(s) must sign an "Agreement" Form at the beginning of each School Year (as I understand it).
Beating with a bat? No. That is a criminal offense. Now, some paddles are sawed off bats with one end flattened, but they are not actual bats.
Funny thing is..........if a Teacher is believed to have abused a child via paddling......their lives are pretty much ruined. However, if that child attacks/assaults the Teacher........meh.......no biggie.......