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EDU 6304
The School & Multicultural American Society
Case Study
Decision-Making Scaffold
10/12/13
DECISION-MAKING SCAFFOLD
CASE STUDY: SAM MEYERS
Many parents didnt have formal education past 12th grade as jobs were available
SAM MEYERS
Elementary teacher
New to district
HANNAH
JULIA
Conservative Christian
faith
MILEY
MRS. MOREHEAD
Parents are skeptical of her because she is much different than the previous
principal
Received several good reports from the first-grade teacher Sam did his student-
teaching with
Mother of Joey, a student in Sams special education class for students with
autism
Concerned parent who questioned if a gay man could teach and how it would
Discusses her concerns with her husband who has the same concerns and decides
Reassured by the principal that Sam is a good teacher and everything is fine
Howe Elementary is currently in staff development & teacher work day sessions
Sam, Julia, and Miley spend their lunch hour together and they all share family
Julia gossips to community members and to Joeys Mom about Sams sexual
orientation. She questions whether her faith allows her to work with a gay man. She
doesnt know if she is allowed in the room with a gay man. Julia questions whether Sam
would molest the children or whether they would catch homosexuality from him. She
doesnt think Sam believes in God and is concerned of how this year will work.
-
Sam received a call from Nancy and the first day hasnt even begun. Nancy
informs him that under no circumstance was he allowed in the bathroom alone with her
son. Sam is completely shocked to already have issues with his sexual orientation before
classes start, and wonders who told someone in the community. The next day, Sam goes
to Hannah for advice.
- Hannah reassures Sam that everything will be alright. Although she couldnt believe it
either, her advice is to talk to Mrs. Morehead and tell her about the conversation, maybe
she can help.
- Sam is afraid to contact Mrs. Morehead. It is his first teaching job and he doesnt want
to mess it up.
Key Questions
What are the issues regarding sexual orientation that Sam, the other teachers,
What are the beliefs about sexual orientation held by the major stakeholders in
the case?
What resources and supports are available for Sam, the family involved, and the
school district?
What short-term and long-term goals can be set that will assist all parties to deal
GOAL #1
Address the Problem: Internally/Externally
TIMELINE: IMMEDIATELY TO YEARLY
Mrs. Morehead will need to meet with Sam, Hannah, Miley, and Julia privately
and inform them of everyones rights and responsibilities individually, and the rights and
responsibilities of the school.
-
Mrs. Morehead will need to assure Sam that discrimination will not be tolerated
A team approach with parents and other faculty will need to be adopted by the
Mrs. Morehead will need to set up a meeting with the parents of Joey and address
their concerns one on one, and inform them of the schools legal responsibility and the
district policy on the issue.
GOAL #2
Educate the Campus & Community
TIMELINE: WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS EACH YEAR
faculty and staff educating them on the law and reminding them of constitutional rights
within.
-
Offer the seminars every year and have lead teachers and PTA heavily involved.
GOAL #3
Plan for the Future
TIMELINE: WITHIN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL & YEARLY
Mrs. Morehead will need to have Sam, Miley, and Julia take initiative throughout
the year to build relationships with parents and use them the next year to share their
testimonies.
Have the Special Education Department adopt meet the classroom night before
meet the teacher night in an effort for parents and students to share their experiences
and positive words
Additional Recommendations
Mrs. Morehead should contact other principals and her superintendant to receive
some insight and input from others who may have experienced the same issues from an
administrative viewpoint.
Sam and Mrs. Morehead should do their homework to find previous legal cases
against school districts to help educate them of their rights and the rights of
parents/students.
Mrs. Morehead can contact the region or state site to find resources for educating
all stakeholders within her campus. These resources should be offered yearly and new
ones should be implemented every year.
Resources
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/madison/wpcontent/uploads/2011/03/sexual.orientation.guidelines.pdf