Legal and Ethical Implications for Classroom Management

July 07, 2010

Classroom Management

Classroom management is the key to a successful school year for both the teacher and the students. I have read about various methods, techniques, and disciplines useful in establishing a solid foundation for student cooperation and participation. I wholeheartedly understand that I cannot control another person’s thoughts, feelings, and/or actions. However, I do believe I am capable of establishing a healthy rapport with administration, co-workers, parents, and students that will allow me to obtain my desired goals for student achievement. I believe successful classroom management is developed based on the proper mixture of being prepared,
The O’Reilly Factor with business anchor host John Stossel aired on Fox News April 06, 2010. In this interview O’Reilly and Stossel discussed various state laws being passed today that limit parental responsibility. The first case mentioned was that of a High School based Health Clinic where a mother signed a consent form allowing her 15 year old daughter to use the services of such clinic. In this clinic, the daughter was supported in receiving an abortion without first notifying her mother. However shocking this may sound, Washington state law allows a female of any age to terminate pregnancy. This law clearly takes the parent out of the decision making process for a young pregnant teen. In the interview Stossel disagrees with this law and claims it allows for no parental involvement in a highly sensitive and emotional issue.

The second issue mentioned was the upholding of the Idaho state imposed curfews by the Idaho Supreme Court. The curfew deters children under the age of 16 from being outside the home after a specified time. Teens are literally being arrested for being at a neighborhood park after curfew. This law removes the parents ability to judge the character and responsibility of their own children.

The last item mentioned was that of an Oregon school which has banned hugging. Student are being reprimanded and disciplined for showing care, concern and affection to their fellow