How to Address Policy Scenarios in Education

Policy Scenario 1

Below are 4 scenarios that you will read and explain how you would address the issues identified. 

Policy Scenario 1

A new principal of a high school begins to review the campus master schedule and notices that there are several teaching vacancies that must be filled. He calls a staff meeting and discloses this information to the staff, in order to inform them that he is working to resolve classroom---overcrowding issues. Later on that day, the principal discussed with his campus administrative team that the current staff appears to be aging, and he would like the interview committee to focus on hiring younger staff members in order to invigorate the environment. Based on this, he advises the team to pay close attention to younger candidates, or those likely to be younger candidates, when reviewing applicants. One of the staff members states that she has the perfect candidate; however, she thinks that he may have been engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a minor, which was in violation of the law. Despite this, she ensures everyone that the applicant is a very good person. The principal proceeds to prepare the posting, and submits the necessary forms for approval. The district posts the vacancy on the district website. Being that there is a preferred candidate, the principal suggests filling the vacancy in the next 5 days.

Based on your knowledge of policy, list some of the concerns with this principal’s actions. Refer to the specific policy that supports your concern. Briefly explain how would you address the ethical concerns and decision making in this scenario.

Policy Scenario 2

A teacher at an elementary school observes a large bruise on one of her student’s arm. She immediately asks the student if he is ok. He says yes, and responds by saying that he fell off of his bike. Later that day, the teacher over hears the student telling his friend that a relative, who stays at his home, hits him every day for no reason. The teacher informs you, as the principal, of this. How should you advise the teacher? Support your decision using policy. As a campus principal, what would you do to ensure that your campus staff is cognizant of the reporting requirements related to abuse? Why is this important?

Policy Scenario 3

As a school principal, you are responsible for ensuring that all staff is properly certified to teach courses reflected on your master schedule. You have had difficulty staffing math teachers this year, and have reached the 30th day of having an inappropriately certified or uncertified teacher in two classrooms. In Texas, what is the district’s responsibility in this case? What are your next steps as it relates to solving this situation? What are some steps you can take to preserve the quality of instruction in these classrooms?

Policy Scenario 4

According to DH (LEGAL), a school district shall adopt a written policy concerning electronic communications between a school employee and a student enrolled in the district. List 2 --- 3 highlights of your district’s local policy, as it relates to communication between a school employee and a student, as well as personal use of social media. Feel free to pull from another district’s policy if you do not have access to your district’s policy.

Briefly explain why protocols are important in this scenario?