Jessica Kabat

EDUW 695- Ethics & Issues in Education

Ethical Dilemma Journal #1

The Facts
A class of 5th grade students took a timed test.
Ms. K handed out the test and asked students to keep their tests face down until everyone had
their test and the timer started.
The timer’s battery had died and therefore, it took a little longer to begin the test as the teacher
needed to find a replacement timer. This also meant that Ms. K’s attention was diverted from her
students.
The test was administered.
Several hours later, after school, Kaya, a student of the class, told the teacher that she saw Tyler
and James begin their tests before the timer started. Ms. K told Kaya she appreciated her honesty
and sent her on her way.
Ms. K approached Tyler and James separately about cheating and each denied the accusation.
Ms. K did not disclose who accused them of cheating.
The school policy on cheating is to write an office referral and contact parents about the incident.
Students who cheat lose privileges such as recess and will get taken off of the safety patrol. They
also are required to eat lunch in the office away from their peers.

Ethical Issue
Students cheated on their test. (dishonest)

Ethical Question
Should Ms. K punish Tyler and James for cheating?

Arguments
YES. Tyler and James should be punished.
Cheating is dishonest and morally wrong.
It is unfair to the other students.
Tyler and James should be taught a lesson and
made an example of.
School policy dictates this behavior is
reported and students suffer the
consequences.
NO. Tyler and James should not be punished.
Kaya could have been lying.
There is only one source of information.
It is likely other students could have cheated as
well since Ms. K was inattentive.
Tyler and James misunderstood the directions
and it was an honest mistake.

My Ethical Decision
My decision is to NOT turn in Tyler and James for cheating. I would have a general conversation
with the class about the issue- without releasing ANY names. I would then explain to the class
that we would retake the timed test in order to get accurate results for everyone. This decision
aligns with the non-consequentialist philosophy because Tyler and James are entitled to basic
rights including due process. They did not have the right to confront their accuser and there was
a lack of evidence. In addition, I would take the opportunity to teach the class the importance of
being academically honest in hopes that Tyler and James would learn from this mistake before
entering high school or college, where the consequences are much more severe.
 Ethical Dilemma Journal #2

The Facts
Johnny is a new teacher at school. He has seven years of experience in at the middle school level
and this is his first time working with elementary students.
He works part-time at my building and part time at another building.
Johnny has been struggling with following curriculum, managing behaviors in his classroom and
building relationships with his colleagues.
I have noticed he has missed every after-school professional development meeting at our
building. These meetings are mandatory for all teachers.
At first, I assumed he was attending these meetings at the other location in which he worked, but
I found out from a co-worker that was not the case.
My principal, who runs the meetings, doesn’t seem to notice his absence.
I asked Johnny why he has missed our meetings and he told me he was unable to make the
meetings because he doesn’t have enough time to get home and change and get to his night
classes for his master’s degree. He knows that they are mandatory and skips them anyway.
Because Johnny has had so many complaints against him this year, this could be the last straw,
meaning he could be terminated.

Ethical Issue
Johnny is not fulfilling his employment duties.

Ethical Question
Should I notify administration about Johnny’s intentional absences?

Arguments
Yes. Notify administration.
Going to these meetings is part of his
employment obligation.
It is unfair to the other employees.
Johnny is missing key information that could
be helpful to him and his issues in his
classroom.
It would be best if Johnny did get fired as it is
clear this is not the right fit for him.
No. Don’t notify administration.
The principal should be the one who
addresses this issue and it is his fault for being
unaware.
I don’t want to get a reputation for tattling.
Johnny has a valid reason for being absent.
Johnny could lose his job.

My Ethical Decision
My decision is to notify administration of Johnny’s absences. These meetings are a part of the
job and his absences should not be tolerated. This aligns with the consequentialist philosophy as
it seems Johnny’s termination would benefit students and staff. In my opinion, educators are a
driving force in the community and should do their best to be role models for their students. This
type of behavior is irresponsible and disrespectful.