Read Case Study b12 Breaking the rules and pay the price pages 81-88 in the attached Kowlaski textbook and answer questions 1-10 on pages 87-88.
Problem Framing
- Assume you are Superintendent Lopson. First determine the main issue (problem) in this case. Then describe the current state and the desired state of this issue. (The sec-tion on problem framing in the Introduction section of this book defines the problem framing process.)
- Based on evidence provided in the case, describe the difficulty associated with eliminating the gap between the present state and desired state.
Questions and Suggested Activities
- Discuss the intended purposes and merits of student suspensions. What does research on this topic reveal?
- Do you agree with Principal Sanchez's contention that the effectiveness of discipline needs to be considered in relation to student learning? Why or why not?
- What is the policy for suspensions in your school dis-trict? How does your district's policy differ from the one described in this case?
- What alternatives could have been used by Principal Sanchez to discipline Jimmy given the incident and his previous record of misbehavior?
- To what extent are student learning and discipline connected? What evidence do you have for your response?
- What purposes should be served by policies and rules for student discipline?
- The superintendent contends that specifying conditions for suspensions restricts principal discretion. Do you agree? What are the advantages and disadvantages of restricting employee discretion?
- Did Mr. Carson, the teacher who wrote the letter to the editor of the local newspaper, behave professionally in criticizing Principal Sanchez publicly? Why or why not?
- If you were a principal in this school district, would you prefer the current policy on student suspensions or a policy that would prohibit suspensions except for specified offenses? Defend your response.
- Is Principal Sanchez an effective administrator? Why or why not?
Sample Solution