Scenario

I was out today and got an email from my sub. I’ve never gotten a note like this and I don’t know how to handle it.

One student decided to use his phone while finishing his test today. Another decided he wasn’t even going to start the test because he didn’t study. The list goes on.

Students had yesterday and today to do it. It was due at the end of class today (with the exception of students with extended time), and several students didn’t finish. I will obviously be contacting home, but how would you finish testing? I’m going to pull the kids that get extended time during study hall, but I don’t even want to give the other students who were listed as issue the opportunity.

Long story short, I’m irritated.

Result

Let’s analyze this situation using the ETHICAL decision-making model:

Engage stakeholders: The key parties involved in this situation are:

  • The teacher (you)
  • The substitute teacher
  • The students who misbehaved or didn’t complete the test
  • Students with extended time accommodations
  • Parents/guardians of the students
  • School administration

Think emotionally and logically: Emotionally, you’re feeling irritated and frustrated by the students' behavior and lack of responsibility. This is understandable, as their actions show disrespect for the testing process and your authority as a teacher.

Logically, you need to consider:

  • The importance of maintaining academic integrity
  • Fairness to students who followed the rules and completed the test
  • The need to address behavioral issues
  • Potential reasons behind students' actions (e.g., lack of preparation, anxiety, or other underlying issues)

Harmonize perspectives: To integrate diverse viewpoints:

  • Consider the substitute teacher’s perspective and challenges in managing the class
  • Understand the students' motivations for their behavior
  • Take into account school policies on testing and disciplinary procedures
  • Consider the parents' expectations for their children’s education and behavior

Investigate options:

  1. Allow all students to finish the test during study hall
  2. Only allow students with extended time accommodations to finish
  3. Provide a make-up test opportunity with consequences (e.g., grade penalty)
  4. Give zeros to students who didn’t complete the test or violated rules
  5. Implement a combination of these options based on individual circumstances

Collaborate on recommendations: Based on the analysis, a recommended approach could be:

  1. Allow students with extended time accommodations to complete the test as planned
  2. Offer a make-up test opportunity for students who didn’t finish, with a grade penalty
  3. Give zeros to students who used their phones during the test
  4. Contact parents/guardians to inform them of the situation and consequences
  5. Schedule individual meetings with students who exhibited behavioral issues

Authorize decision: As the teacher, you have the primary authority to make decisions about your class. However, it’s advisable to consult with school administration to ensure your approach aligns with school policies and to gain support for your decisions.

Launch implementation: To execute this decision:

  1. Communicate the decision to all involved parties (students, parents, administration)
  2. Schedule and administer make-up tests
  3. Apply consequences consistently
  4. Document all incidents and actions taken
  5. Follow up with individual students to address behavioral issues
  6. Monitor future testing situations to prevent similar occurrences

In conclusion, the recommended course of action balances fairness, accountability, and the need to address behavioral issues while maintaining academic integrity. Potential obstacles include resistance from students or parents, time constraints for make-up testing, and the challenge of addressing underlying behavioral problems. Consistent communication and follow-through will be crucial for successful implementation.