This case study presented a concern that dealt with the principal who has allowed teachers to independently decide on the use of instructional materials in school. The study involved Lake Side Elementary School that made the unfavorable decision of purchasing the spelling software. Miss Tannin, the principal, argues that the teachers are prepared to solve routine educational issues. Being professional in their field, the teachers are aware of resources that are best for learners. The only error, this time, was the principal’s failure to countercheck the teachers’ decisions.
The parents had true concerns about their children who were affected by those decisions. In any case, when parents articulate their disapproval with a set of instructions, the concerns need to be addressed by the principal and teachers alike. The superintendent’s task in the future is to make sure that the teachers do not miss any communication with parents for feedback, before jumping on the decision.
As soon as the responsible authorities decide on removing the software, the teachers will get affected most due to readjustment and development of an alternative support method. Accordingly, the students will suffer, too, and they may lose the benefits and satisfaction of using that software. Disabling the software to ensure that no one is able to use it will certainly eliminate the conflict between the parents and administration.
References
Kowalski, T. J. (2012). Case Study on Educational Administration.
“A Matter of Honor”
A big difference lies between copyright infringement as an element of the legislation, and plagiarism as an element of ethics. To analyze, plagiarism occurs when someone takes work and presents it as a personal achievement. Copyright infringement is a breach on the copyright holder rights. These rights include reproducing of one’s work, creating derivatives and distributing copies, among other privileges.
In the case of the student being charged with copyright infringement, the action had no legal connotation. Rather, it is a question of ethics because she made someone’s work hers. According to the University of St. Thomas, plagiarism is the reproduction or adoption of one’s work without indicating so. The policy helps to supervise that students read and research independently. The policy also provides the authority to reverse the decision on plagiarism. Those should be embraced as accidental mistakes, even when contrary to the rules. Worth mentioning is that the dean cannot reverse the policy on plagiarism.
Sheila’s cumulative student record registers a negative history and suggests a likelihood of committing a similar mistake again. The distinction between one student with a ruined record and another who slips for the first time is pertinent, too. In terms of the best practice, the teacher might consider pardoning the student, since every human can err. Also teachers may not be right in their sole judgment and call for an independent decision after evaluation of the circumstances.
References
