Tuesday afternoon near the end of my 5th period class, one of my seniors stood up and told me that he needed the hall pass. I asked him why, and he said that he needed to get a drink of water so that he could take his prescription medicine. I saw him holding a prescription bottle and reminded him that he wasn’t allowed to be carrying medication around with him. He replied by saying that it was time to take his medicine and walked out the door. He returned in a matter of moments, and then the bell rang. Since I don’t have a 6th period class I walked down to the clinic to talk to the nurse. I told her what happened and she immediately picked up the phone and called the assistant principal that the student was assigned to. After telling him what had transpired, he then called the student out of 6th period up to the office.
When I saw the student the next day, he gave me very angry looks and would not speak to me. I spoke to the assistant principal and he said that the student told him that I was picking on him. When I ran what happened by a couple of other teachers, they indicated that they probably would have let it go and not referred the student to the office. WHAT???? We’re not talking about breaking a food rule or something trivial. This is state law.
It’s frustrating; students don’t like the rules or think they’re stupid so they thumb their noses at them and ignore them. For whatever reason, many teachers don’t want to enforce the school rules and just look the other way. Then when I enforce the rules, all I hear is, “all my other teachers let me do it.” I never used to believe that, but now I’m starting to. Maybe teachers just don’t want to “be the bad guy” or be perceived as un-cool. Maybe some of them just don’t care anymore. For my part, I’ve tried to teach the kids about taking responsibility for themselves and their actions, but I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle.
Chad....... If I had a hat on my head...I would tip it to you. I posted a blog that I thought was similar, but it is not even close because you were dealing with perscription medication. I value the experience and advice from the faculty at my school, but......... I wonder, sometimes, if the opinion of a teacher of 26 years is on the "same page" of a rookie like me who is trying, in their opinion, to make the best decision in the year 2007 under our curriculum?
ReplyDeleteChad,
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain. but you must continue to set the standard. I know that is easier said than done. I think students need and want discipline. Some teachers are just intimidated to confront students. We live in a dangerous time but if we don't teach responsibility,accountability and respect, then who will. These values are certainly not being taught at home.
Henry
Well Chad, I think there are several issues going on in this situation. First: LEAVNG CLASSROOM WITHOUT PERMISSION: when the student left, he violated school policy. 2nd: DISRESPECT/INSUBORDINATION: the student stood up and TOLD you, he didn't ask. Depending on the students attitude/voice when he said it, this can be interepreted as an offencse as well. 3rd: POSSIESSION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION: clearly the student was in violation of that one.
ReplyDeleteI always document these things in the form of a discipline referral and make a copy. This way I know that I have done my part by reporting. And that's all we are responsible for.....reporting. What they do with it is up to the powers that be but you know you have followed procedure. Sometimes it's all in the wording of the referral and I find that directly quoting the policy leave administration very little wiggle room.
As far as the other teachers are concerned, they appear to be much like so many parents, more interested in being their friend than being the parent/teacher.
In the final analysis, it's your certificate and your conscience. You've done what is right and that's what matters.
You did the right thing. If that student had had an adverse reaction to that medicine you would have been the one in the hot seat. State law is state law, and school policy is school policy. We don't teach to be loved or popular with our students.
ReplyDelete