Alexandra Esser

EDUW 695
Ethics and Issues in Education
Portfolio Entry
The Ethics and Issues in Education class introduced me to the case analysis process,
taught me about the rights of students, and made me consider educational issues facing education
today. I reflected on the effects of my choices and actions on pupils, parents, and other
professionals in my field and continue to reflect on the choices I make in my position each day.
The case analysis process has reshaped my decision-making process in both professional
and personal situations. When faced with an ethical issue I used to use my gut feelings to fight
with my logical and non-conformist brain, which sometimes left me making no decision at all.
Since learning about the case analysis process, I have found myself favoring the four-step
process to organize my thoughts and come closer to a decision. Beginning with the facts almost
always wards off any subjective snap decisions and helps me zero in on the real issue rather than
my personal feelings. Having the chance to argue both sides shows me my biases and lets me
view them objectively. Lastly, if the issue doesnt force me back to the facts for reexamination, I
feel comfortable knowing I have made a sound decision. The artifact for the case analysis
process is my ethical issues journal.
One student right often contested is the freedom of speech. The competing interests
surrounding this right include those for the students and those for maintaining a safe and
comfortable learning environment in schools. It is argued that students are free individuals and
are protected under First Amendment rights. Students do not shed these rights at the schoolhouse
gate, or simply stated, schools cannot invalidate the rights of students. On the other hand, schools
need to maintain order and must not uphold a students right if the students speech is obscene,
libel or slander, commercial speech, fighting words if violence were to have ensued, leads to

clear and present danger, or is not within school guidelines of proper time, place, or manner. In
addition, if the student speech, whether written or spoken, causes a major disruption to the school
day, the school is expected to address this. Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) was a case where the
students freedom of speech right was upheld. It was decided students were allowed to wear
black armbands in protest of the war because they were not causing a material and substantial
disruption to the school day. This is a consequentialist philosophy because the principle of
benefit maximization by allowing the armbands. The students were able to express their political
views and learning could still take place. In the case Bethel v. Fraser (1986) the students
freedom of speech rights were not protected. A student gave a speech that had extensive sexual
innuendo. It was not protected because of the vulgarity of his speech. This is more a nonconsequentialist philosophy because of the categorical imperative to always follow the rules. It is
important for students to feel they hold their First Amendment rights at school, but not at the cost
of other students education. The artifact for this is my class notes.
One educational issue that is facing us today is whether computers or technology are
negatively affecting students. Those arguing against using technology in schools claim
technology does not offer students a true or holistic education. They also feel technology
eliminates human interaction and prevents students from learning to communicate face-to-face.
Furthermore, they say it is unnecessary in schools due its oversaturation outside of school. Those
arguing for technology in schools realize it is a reality students will perpetually be faced with,
but also see the value in how it can enhance student learning. In my opinion, teachers need to
show students how to balance interacting with a screen and human interaction. Conversing in
real life is something that will never be fully replicated by technology, nor should it be. Even
though technology is a good thing and is positively affecting students, we should be careful yet

informed in our approach to using it in the classroom. The artifact for this educational issue is
my debate assignment paper.