Compliance or Empowerment
"Zero tolerance" for weapons in schools seems like a reasonable cut and dry policy for schools to enforce to keep their campuses’ safe. The problem with any “zero tolerance” policy is that it leaves no room of extenuating circumstances. This week’s case study is a prime example of where a “zero tolerance” policy might not be the best disciplinary action. School principals are charged with carrying out federal, state, and district policies. In some situations this can even mean upholding the law. Although, as school leaders, principals do have control to decide how they apply their power and authority concepts in dealing with policy violations. Many times it comes down to a school leader using their power to either …show more content…
Our nation does not function in black and white, nor should our schools be expected to. Our democratic government revisits and amends its laws regularly. Many of these times is when a particular situation arises that calls for a review of the law. It is not uncommon for a school system to function in a similar manner. As a school leader you are expected to uphold policies, but also to question them when they are not empowering the learning environment. For a principal to be effective, they must have an understanding of others and their situation. Here, legitimate power might be best used, but to be successful it will weight a lot on the Hengly Family to conform to the assistant principal’s alternative punishment for the policy violation (Gorton & Alston, 2012). A possible alternative could be approaching the school district about a lighter suspension and having the fine or jail sentence waived due to the circumstances. The best way for the assistant principal to advocate for this alternative measure would be to present them with Edward’s academic and disciplinary history. This method in dealing with this unique situation might of avoided legal repercussions from the parents and a potential negative public relations nightmare for the school …show more content…
The approach used in this situation most likely resulted from the leadership style of the assistant principal. School leadership should always ask themselves how their decision will affect all stakeholders. “An assessment of the type of reception the decision will receive from those who will be most affected, for example, teachers, students, parents, and the general public,” should be considered (Gorton & Alston, 2012, p. 44). For this scenario, reception should have been weighed in heavily in order to avoid a decision that had long lasting negative repercussions on the school and overall student
"Zero tolerance" for weapons in schools seems like a reasonable cut and dry policy for schools to enforce to keep their campuses’ safe. The problem with any “zero tolerance” policy is that it leaves no room of extenuating circumstances. This week’s case study is a prime example of where a “zero tolerance” policy might not be the best disciplinary action. School principals are charged with carrying out federal, state, and district policies. In some situations this can even mean upholding the law. Although, as school leaders, principals do have control to decide how they apply their power and authority concepts in dealing with policy violations. Many times it comes down to a school leader using their power to either …show more content…
Our nation does not function in black and white, nor should our schools be expected to. Our democratic government revisits and amends its laws regularly. Many of these times is when a particular situation arises that calls for a review of the law. It is not uncommon for a school system to function in a similar manner. As a school leader you are expected to uphold policies, but also to question them when they are not empowering the learning environment. For a principal to be effective, they must have an understanding of others and their situation. Here, legitimate power might be best used, but to be successful it will weight a lot on the Hengly Family to conform to the assistant principal’s alternative punishment for the policy violation (Gorton & Alston, 2012). A possible alternative could be approaching the school district about a lighter suspension and having the fine or jail sentence waived due to the circumstances. The best way for the assistant principal to advocate for this alternative measure would be to present them with Edward’s academic and disciplinary history. This method in dealing with this unique situation might of avoided legal repercussions from the parents and a potential negative public relations nightmare for the school …show more content…
The approach used in this situation most likely resulted from the leadership style of the assistant principal. School leadership should always ask themselves how their decision will affect all stakeholders. “An assessment of the type of reception the decision will receive from those who will be most affected, for example, teachers, students, parents, and the general public,” should be considered (Gorton & Alston, 2012, p. 44). For this scenario, reception should have been weighed in heavily in order to avoid a decision that had long lasting negative repercussions on the school and overall student