Posts Tagged ‘Ethics in the Classroom’

Why Isn’t There a Proper Alternative to Religious Education?

July 9, 2012

Whilst I am not Christian, I strongly disagree with those who are trying to eliminate religious education programs from our public schools. We have had a tradition of offering religious education as an elective class at public schools over many years and I see no reason to change that.

One issue that does perplex me is why schools haven’t been able to schedule a real alternative. Ethics classes are not the answer because unlike religion which one either subscribes to or not, ethics is someones version of what is moral and just (I may disagree strongly with what someone believes is ethical).  Free time is also not a solution either. It sends the wrong message at school to provide free time when children continue to struggle with their basic skills.

I believe that extra maths and English classes should be scheduled at the same time as religious education classes. This would ensure that those who aren’t religious have a real and worthwhile alternative to R.E. lessons.

Although I think this Queensland mother has overreacted, I can see her point:

A Queensland mother has accused the state’s education department of discrimination, claiming children who opt out of religious instruction classes are left disadvantaged.

Tricia Moore, who has filed an anti-discrimination complaint, said she was contemplating taking the Department of Education, Training and Employment to the state’s civil tribunal.

She said the department had failed to provide a proper alternative for children who opted out of religious instruction, with students instead left to sit in corridors or carry out meaningless work.

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Posted in Ethics in the Classroom | 3 Comments »

Supreme Court Gives Permission for Teachers to Have Sex With Students

April 2, 2012

I don’t care if the student is 18 or 80, a teacher has no place engaging in sexual activity with a student. It is inappropriate and immoral, and should at the very least cost the teacher their job. A teacher can not properly conduct a classroom when they are intimate with one of their students.

I am very disappointed to read that an Arkansas Supreme Court decided it is okay for teachers and students to have sex, as long as the student is 18.

The ruling is in response to an appeal by David Paschal, an Elkins High School teacher found guilty of having consensual sex with an 18-year-old student.

State attorneys argued the law protects high school girls and boys from sexual advances by teachers. But the high court says regardless of how it feels about Paschal’s conduct, they can not abandon their duty to uphold the law.

Therefore, Paschal will have his convictions reversed and dismissed.

At a local high school baseball game on Saturday, parents reacted to the news.

“These teachers should know better because there is a difference when you are being a teacher and a friend; and somebody that is having sex with your students,” said Denise Colson.

Amy Dardenne added, “If the child wants to have sex when they are 18 with their teacher, that is fine. They are adults at 18, so they might as well do what they want to do.”

It’s unclear whether anyone in the legislature will attempt to rework the law. A spokesperson for Governor Mike Beebe says it is way to early to talk about any kind of response from the State Capitol.

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says his office respects the court’s decision, although they disagree with it and are evaluating all options.

It is not”fine” for an 18 year-old to bed their teacher. It is tantamount to a breach of trust on the part of the teacher. That teacher is bestowed with the responsibility of grading impartially, treating each student fairly, being a good role model and responsible citizen.

None of which can be said of a teacher who has sex with a student.

In my opinion, a high school teacher who is found to have been engaged in a sexual relationship with their student should be imprisoned for their actions.

Click on the link to read How Can a Child Sex Lobby Exist in the First Place?

Click on the link to read Should Classrooms Be Fitted With Surveillance Cameras?

Click on the link to read Teacher Orders 20 Classmates to Beat Up Bully

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Posted in Ethics in the Classroom, Professional Conduct | 6 Comments »