Ethical Issues Journal

Alyssa McCarthy

Saint Marys University of Minnesota

Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs

Portfolio Entry for Wisconsin Teacher Standard 9

EDUW 695 Ethics and Issues in Education

Fall 2015
Alyssa McCarthy
Journal Entry 1- Art Project

Facts
Mrs. Bishop is a seventh grade art teacher.
Jimmy struggles in class and gives up easily.
Mrs. Bishop encourages helping each other.
Jimmy turned in a final project far out of his skill range.
Jimmy has never cheated before.
The school has a zero tolerance cheating policy- the student will receive a failing grade.

Ethical Issue
Should Mrs. Bishop report Jimmy for cheating?

Arguments

YES NO

Mrs. Bishop follows school policy. Turning Jimmy in could discourage him from
asking questions/for help in the future.

Jimmy has the opportunity to learn from his Jimmy has never cheated before. Does he
mistake. know he cheated? Does he know the policy?

Mrs. Bishop sets example to other students. Jimmy could have to retake the class and/or
could be held back.

Jimmy may have done the assignment; if he Failing a class/grade could cause Jimmy to
didnt he could redo it. give up or discourage further learning in the
future.

Ethical Decision
No, Mrs.Bishop should not turn Jimmy in for cheating. This is the first time Jimmy has been in
this situation and he should have the chance to explain himself and redo the assignment if
necessary. Mrs.Bishop should hold a meeting with Jimmy and his parents.

This is a non-consequentialist viewpoint because Mrs. Bishop would be giving Jimmy the benefit
of the doubt. She is treating Jimmy as means, not an end. She is doing what is better for Jimmy
rather than setting an example for the rest of the students and following school policy
(consequentialist).
Alyssa McCarthy
Journal Entry 2- The Coworker

Facts
Alice is a first year teacher.
Joe has been working in the field for more than 2 years.
Joe is very hard working and is well liked by administrators.
Alice overhears Joe joking with a student about his dirty shoes.
Alice notices that some underprivileged students complain about Joes class.

Ethical Issue
Should Alice report Joes actions to their administrator?

Arguments

YES NO

Students are becoming discouraged and it is Alice is a new employee and doesnt want to
affecting the learning process. get involved.

Joe will learn his behavior is inappropriate Joe could lose his job.
and hopefully stop.

It will set an example for other co workers and Turning Joe in could cause a division
students. between staff.

Takes a step towards a more tolerant school Joe is just joking with the students; he doesnt
atmosphere. mean any harm.

Ethical Decision
Yes, Alice should have a meeting with the administrator AND Joe. Alice shouldnt tattle on Joe,
but it is good to bring up concerns in front of the administrator. This way the problem can be
solved with open communication.

This is a consequentialist viewpoint because Alice is using the Principle of Maximization. She is
doing what is best for the most people- the students and the other staff members.
Alyssa McCarthy
Journal Entry 3- The Truant

Facts
Mr. Lucas teaches 9th grade English.
Trish has missed more class then she has attended.
Trish participates in class more than most students.
Her consistent absence has caused her to fall behind on coursework.
Trish has young siblings that she cares for while her mom works two jobs.

Ethical Issue
What grade does Trish deserve? Should Mr. Lucas pass or fail Trish?

Arguments

PASS FAIL

Trish is a smart and responsible student, but Trish didnt complete the course work and
is just busy taking care of her family. was regularly truant.

Failing Trish could impact her chances at Trish needs to make school more of a priority.
college in the future.

Trish could slowly fall behind year after year.

Passing Trish sets a bad example to other

students.

Ethical Decision
Mr. Lucas should give Trish an extension and a project for her to complete. If she gets it done it
will prove what she has learned and if she doesnt then she isnt making school a priority, even
with the extra time. Mr. Lucas should pass/fail Trish based off of this project.

This is a non-consequentialist viewpoint because Mr. Lucas is putting Trishs needs over school
policy. He is following the universal rule of human conduct by giving her an extension. Mr. Lucas
believes that Trish knows the material, but didnt have the time to complete the work.
Alyssa McCarthy
Journal Entry 4- Secrets

Facts
Coach Lynn coaches high school volleyball.
Lucy is senior team captain.
Lucy has been missing practices in the past few weeks.
Coach Lynn notices that Lucy has been increasingly reserved.
Lucy has recently started dating a college student.
Lucy tells Coach Lynn that she is pregnant and wants an abortion.

Ethical Issue
Should Ms. Lynn tell Lucys parents?

Arguments

YES NO

Lucy needs support at home; this is a big Coach Lynn could lose the trust of Lucy
decision. completely if she tells the parents.

If Lucy decided to get the procedure, it needs Lucy learns how to handle the consequences
to be done safely. of her actions.

Ignoring the situation could be harmful to Lucy is 18 and legally an adult.

Lucys health.

Ethical Decision
Lucy should be allowed a certain amount of time to tell her parents; if she doesnt than Coach
Lynn should tell them. Coach Lynn should get the school counselor involved as well.

This is a non-consequentialist viewpoint because Coach Lynn is treating Lucy as a free, rational
moral person. She is allowing Lucy to make her own decision.
Alyssa McCarthy
Journal Entry 5- Sexual Education

Facts
Mr. V teaches 11th grade gym/health class.
James is a popular student athlete.
Jamess father died when he was young.
James is in a committed relationship.
He wants to take the next step in his relationship and has questions about being safe.
School policy is to teach abstinence first and prohibits contraceptives on school grounds.

Ethical Issue
Should Mr. V give James condoms?

Arguments

YES NO

James is being responsible and asking for It is against school policy to give a student
help. contraceptives and Mr. V could be fired.

James could have unprotected sex without If Mr. V makes an exception for James, other
them. students could expect the same thing.

James is a minor.

Ethical Decision
No, Mr. V shouldnt give James condoms. However, he should give James more information on
where he can go to talk about safe sex and have access to contraceptives, like Planned
Parenthood or Options Clinic.

Mr. V is taking a non-consequentialist viewpoint because he is following school policy and not
giving James contraceptives. He is trusting that James will act as a rational moral person and
make the decision to wait or to go to Planned Parenthood/Options Clinic.