I found chapter 31 to be really disturbing to say the least. I understand that Derek’s behavior was disruptive and not at all how it should be, but to suspend a child once and then expel him at a meeting the following Monday I find to be a bit ridiculous. Yes, Derek acted out but why wasn’t counseling advised for him? He obviously wanted attention, even if it was negative and that stems off from something deeper than just wanting to be in trouble all the time. Then, instead of getting him counseling he is suspended and almost immediately expelled. Then Jan doesn’t even really give Derek another chance.
Merely judged him on what she personally observed, even though she already had an attitude towards Derek, and expels him. I find this harsh, and unfair. I do not feel that the staff did enough to help this student and that troubles me. Furthermore, the part on page 493 where Don is quoted as saying, “Call the police. I’m going to call the police…He is damaged goods.” (page 493) This is the worst thing you can ever say to a student and he is saying it to a student that is already distraught. Whether Derek deserved the suspension or not, to tell a student that he is damaged goods is a striking blow to that child’s self-worth. And I for one, think it is horrible.
About Me
- Brittany
- -Did gymnastics for 14 and 1/2 years -Coached gymnastics for 7 years -Lived in the South all my life until I moved to Wisconsin -Got my B.A. in Psychology -Starting student teaching this semester -Getting a Post Bacc Certificate for secondary social studies: Psychology, Sociology, History, Geography
2 comments:
I agree that the whole attitute surrounding Derrick was fundamentally flawed. Don should have been severely repremanded for his comments, and I also think that the author and Carrie should have spoken up more during the incident. I was completely caught off guard when Jan decided to expel on a whim - but at least the decision wasn't upheld. Given Don's unchallenged comments - it seemed like the staff was projecting all of this power and malice onto Derrick as though he were some devious mastermind, hell-bent on destroying the school system. The essay was off-putting.
I agree, he should have been advised or counseled. Every school should have a counselor and they are to be used! Whenever s student acts negatively no matter what it is - there is almost always a reason and it is our jobs as teachers to help our students learn and learning includes improving as a person and learning how to act properly in various situations. Students are developing before our eyes and we are a huge part of that devlopment. If we constantly kick our students out of class (or school) every time there's a problem in their behavior that we don't think we can handle, instead of teaching them the proper ways to resolve an issue, then these kids will never learn how to behave and survive as adults. Like you said, there is way more behind this situation than just a kid who's "damaged goods."
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