Instructions

It is anticipated that the initial discussion post should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts to peers have no minimum word requirement but must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. Substantive content is imperative for all posts. All discussion prompt elements for the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments unless specified in the instructions. All posts should be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource, ideally within the last 5 years. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citations and references must adhere to APA format.

Classroom Participation

Students are expected to address the initial discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forum requires a minimum of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial post and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion supported with citation(s) and reference(s), you are not just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion, however should be correlated to the literature.

All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion or initial discussion is late, you will not receive points for content and analysis, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above.

Initial Response

Instructions:

Choose a policy discussed in this chapter that has been implemented in your schools in your community.

• How do students receive these services? How do social workers  

OR

Explore Title IX policies related to sexual harassment and discrimination.

• Write a discussion post on the pros and cons of teachers being required to report instances of sexual assault and harassment.
• How is this similar or different than the mandated reporter laws we learned about earlier?
• What if the students were college age adults?

OR 

Discuss the Safe School Act and how this policy has impacted safety and security of youth in our school systems.

• How have school shootings been impacted by these policies and how have these events shaped this generation? 

Your initial responses are due by Wednesday at 11:59 pm CT.

Estimated time to complete: 2 hours

Peer Response

Instructions:

Please read and respond to at least two of your peers’ initial postings. You may want to consider the following questions in your responses to your peers:

• Compare and contrast your initial posting with those of your peers.  
• How are they similar or how are they different?
• What information can you add that would help support the responses of your peers?
• Ask your peers a question for clarification about their post.
• What most interests you about their responses? 

healtherUnder Donald Trump’s Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, significant changes were made to the interpretation and requirements of Title IX and mandatory reporting at the K-12 grade levels.  Under her watch, the standards of mandated reporting changed from a “preponderance of the evidence” to “clear and convincing evidence” that sexual harassment has taken place. She justified this change of standards as a method to protect the accused. Under this new ruling, mandated reporters were no longer required (as they had been in the Obama administration) of reporting a suspected case of harassment unless there was clear and convincing evidence that a crime had taken place.  This has very serious implications for young victims of sexual harassment.  In essence, the K-12 teacher/coach, etc, who would formally have had to report the case if they reasonably suspected, they were no longer required to do so.  In effect, the mandated reporter would become the judge and jury and decide for themselves the validity of the claim (and require) evidence before being required to report.  In a he said/she said case, clear evidence can be challenging at best or impossible at worse to obtain. This will allow more cases to go unaddressed.One important distinction in the new guidance is unlike at a college or university, instances of sexual harassment at the K-12 level do not require a hearing.  All of these changes are taking place to protect the accused. But by hiding from the accusation, the victims (and society) will be adversely affected.ReferenceBlad, E. (06 May 2020). Title IX Rule Details how K-12 schools Must Address Sexual Harassment, Assault.     https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/title-ix-rule-details-how-k-12-schools-must-address-sexual-harassment-assault/2020/05Links to an external site.

jamasRequiring teachers to report any occurrences of sexual assault and harassment is a complex subject having both advantages and disadvantages. It is critical to strike a balance between protecting students and preserving their rights, and any policy implementation should be properly thought out with participation from all stakeholders. This post outlines some of the key points on pros and cons.ProsProtection of StudentsMandatory reporting guarantees that cases of sexual assault and harassment are reported to authorities, thereby protecting students from potential harm and safeguarding their well-being.Legal and Ethical MandateTeachers have a responsibility to defend their students’ well-being (Crosson-Tower, 2003). Reporting events is consistent with their professional and ethical obligations to foster a safe learning environment.Prevention and InterventionReporting can result in early intervention and prevention since authorities can take necessary steps to address the problem and support victims.AccountabilityReporting obligations hold educational institutions accountable for ensuring a safe environment. It also sends a message to potential perpetrators that such behavior will not be condoned.Data CollectionReporting generates data that can assist authorities and organizations in understanding the scale of the problem, identifying patterns, and allocating resources to effectively address issues.ConsPrivacy ConcernsReporting may violate students’ privacy particularly, those affected making them hesitant to come forward and share their experiences.Impact on Teacher-Student RelationshipReporting may put a strain on instructors’ confidence and open contact with children, making them hesitant to seek counsel or confide in teachers.Unintended ConsequencesOver-reporting may occur, resulting in the reporting of incidents that may not require intervention. This has the potential to overload authorities and downplay more severe crimes.ReferenceCrosson-Tower, C. (2003). The role of educators in preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect. US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect.