Leader Manager Essay Example

issues related to students' needs and their right to be protected while at school. Failure to adhere to and obey the governing laws can result in potential litigation.

The text emphasizes the various concerns faced by school administrators, including maintaining order and discipline, ensuring school safety and supervision, addressing discrimination and harassment issues, providing counseling and health services, and managing technology usage (Kelly, 1998). In Saudi Arabia, school administrators face similar challenges. The principal takes on the responsibility of establishing codes of acceptable behavior for students to ensure order and discipline within the school. Furthermore, there is a disciplinary committee in place to handle cases of indiscipline (Leading and Managing the School, 2000).

In certain situations, it may be necessary to issue an apology letter or implement disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity. It is crucial to document all incidents in writing and inform parents about what has transpired. The well-being of students should always be prioritized, and individuals who pose a threat must not be allowed to remain enrolled at the school. Additionally, if a student breaches school rules and guidelines, the school principal should promptly notify parents or guardians. In cases where there are no established codes of conduct or evidence indicating a student's violation, parents can hold the school responsible for any suspensions or expulsions that occur. Monitoring attendance is essential, and this responsibility can be assigned to class teachers by the principal. Nevertheless, it remains the duty of the principal to address any attendance issues promptly so that students do not miss out on their education. Lastly, ensuring the protection of student records is of utmost importance.

It is

imperative that schools do not release student records in legal cases to avoid lawsuits. Educational institutions are responsible for campus safety, which includes implementing crisis response procedures, having a safety plan, and establishing a safety committee. Schools must protect students from potential harm caused by intrusions. Regrettably, there have been cases where individuals with malicious intent entered schools and harmed or held students hostage. Consequently, installing security systems and hiring security guards is crucial.

Screening all individuals who enter the premises is a mandatory requirement for schools to prevent specific situations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the school facing legal action. Any student whose behavior poses a threat to school safety can be suspended or expelled without needing improvement. The principal is responsible for overseeing students outside of the classroom, such as during field trips and lunchtime, to ensure their well-being. Failing to fulfill this duty can lead to complications, particularly in accidents where parents or guardians may seek detailed information on the cause and potentially file a negligence-based lawsuit against the school.

Recording accidents in schools is essential, including providing a description of what happened. It is also crucial to inform students about dangerous areas on school grounds and display signs indicating 'out of bounds' or 'dangerous zone'. Legal action can be taken if an accident results from a supervisor's negligence. I witnessed a student fracturing her arm while playing on the sports ground at my school.

The issue was quickly addressed by the supervising teacher, who took the girl to the school nurse. A report was filed by the teacher and given to the principal, who later informed the parent about what

had happened. Sometimes, decisions made by principals or school administrators can be seen as inadequate by other staff members, even if that was not their intention. In these situations, principals may face criticism and might respond by transferring or dismissing teachers. When teachers raise concerns in a public manner, they have the right to do so. Principals and school leaders should be open to accepting criticism and either provide evidence that disproves false claims or take action to address valid concerns (Hammond, 1991). Instead of taking actions that could potentially raise questions about their motives if taken to court, principals should responsibly handle such problems. Leaders need to establish effective communication channels where teachers, parents, and students feel comfortable expressing their opinions and emotions regarding decisions made by those in leadership positions.

Addressing problems before they lead to legal action is crucial. Good leadership involves acknowledging criticism and resolving raised issues for success. School principals must establish a grievance procedure to handle problems early on, preventing them from becoming public and resulting in lawsuits. It is important to listen to and resolve every perspective and concern. This inclusive approach also applies to my workplace, where our principal values input from teachers who frequently express complaints. During meetings, teachers have the opportunity to raise concerns which are then addressed.

In classrooms, it is the teacher's responsibility to manage and organize all activities while administrators play a supervisory role. Various issues related to organization, management, and educational malpractice may arise (Kelly 1998). When organizing students, teachers should consider racial diversity and avoid perpetuating segregation. Moreover, proper accommodation should be provided for students with special needs. If a school cannot

meet their needs adequately, they should be placed in schools equipped with necessary support.

School principals responsible for special education must be familiar with relevant laws. The handling of issues relating to student grouping, retention, and promotion can be contentious. When deciding whether to promote or retain students, all aspects of their abilities should be considered rather than relying solely on exam performance. Unfortunately, many teachers overlook factors like age, intelligence, ability, and training when making these decisions (Kelly, 2000). To ensure that students develop into well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to society, schools must also prioritize teacher competence in all areas including discipline. There should be established standards for teacher behavior both within the school environment and during interactions with students.

Instances of teacher misconduct, including sexual abuse, are strictly prohibited. To ensure effectiveness, teachers should use established teaching methods like implementing schemes of work and lesson plans and cooperate with school principals and fellow educators. Incompetent teachers can be dismissed. It is important to have assessment tools that monitor teacher progress and identify areas where further training may be needed. School curriculums determine subjects taught such as mathematics, English, and history. Sometimes students struggle with certain topics and may choose not to pursue them or receive parental advice against doing so. In these cases, the school administration can expel the student unless their decision aligns with religious beliefs. Teachers are expected to follow approved curriculums and avoid teaching irrelevant subjects.

During an election year, teachers should only incorporate politics into the classroom if it is relevant to the subject matter. It is crucial for school administrations to establish clear guidelines on acceptable language in order

to prevent teachers from using offensive language. Additionally, it is advisable for teachers to preview films before showing them in class to ensure they do not cross any boundaries. As role models, teachers must uphold good morals and values for their students.

Addressing discrimination, harassment, and bullying is another critical issue that school administrators must address. These behaviors are unlawful and should not be tolerated. Principals have a responsibility not only to address these issues but also to educate students about them so they understand that such actions are inappropriate and against the law (Archdiocese of Canbera and Goulburn Education Office, 2007).

Administrators must never discriminate against teachers or any employees as it can result in legal consequences. The Archdiocese of Canbera and Goulburn Education Office (2007) highlights the importance of reporting any form of child abuse or suspected child abuse. School staff members have a duty to report these cases since they spend significant time with children. They are required to report such incidents to appropriate authorities like the child welfare authority

Teachers and principals need to understand children's rights in family matters. Teachers may become aware of issues in a student's home through information shared by the students or suspicions based on their behavior or declining academic performance. If students do not receive proper parenting and a stable family environment, they may struggle academically.
Another challenge for administrators is drug possession and use among students. School rules should clearly state that drugs are prohibited on school premises; however, drug abuse still occurs in schools. Principals can consult the "Principals' Guide on Drugs, Legal Issues, and Schools" (2000) for guidance on addressing drug-related problems.

According to the principles guide

(2000), the school is responsible for protecting students by notifying the police about drug possession, distribution, or use. It is also the parents' obligation to report such incidents. To effectively address drug abuse in schools, it is crucial to incorporate education on drugs and substance abuse into the curriculum. When individuals have knowledge about this topic, they can make informed decisions and be more cautious of the harmful effects of drugs. Counseling services should be available not only for addicted students but for all students as a whole. The presence of drugs in schools raises concerns regarding counseling within the school environment. Counselors must abide by legal standards that encompass accepted professional practices in the community, as well as ethical standards recognized by other professionals in the field (Huey and Remly, 1990). If a child requires psychological testing or treatment, written parental consent is necessary.The text highlights the important role of counselors in ensuring proper consent for tests, using non-discriminatory practices, and maintaining validity, reliability, and appropriateness in the school setting. Additionally, it emphasizes that counselors have a responsibility as mandated reporters to report child abuse and may breach confidentiality if a child is at risk of self-harm or harming others. While modern technology is being incorporated into counseling, the traditional counselor-client setup is preferred. Cultural awareness and understanding diverse values are also emphasized.

Boundary issues related to sex are discussed in the text, discouraging inappropriate emotional attachments between students and counselors. Counselors should inform clients that intimacy is not part of their profession and may refer them to another counselor if needed. Building trust with a counselor often requires assurance of confidentiality for shared information.

According

to the American School Counselor Association (1984), there are three situations where confidentiality may be breached: when a client poses danger to themselves or others, when clients or parents request information sharing with a third party, and when disclosure is ordered by court. The text also mentions that parents often want to know about their child's counseling sessions but it can be beneficial for students to communicate with their parents themselves. This situation requires counselors to navigate the ethical and legal aspects carefully.Furthermore, it is the responsibility of schools to cater to the needs of students, which includes offering healthcare services.

A school may have a school nurse on staff or work with external health systems to provide healthcare for students. When school nurses are employed, they may encounter legal cases directly related to the services they offer to students. Schwab and Gelfman (2001) identified three reasons for liability on a school nurse, which include inadequate assessment, ineffective emergency intervention, and failure to document appropriate nursing care. Like any profession, nursing has established standards that professionals must follow. If a nurse is found guilty of not adhering to these standards, their license may be suspended or revoked. Additionally, they could face criminal investigation for actions such as drug theft or practicing without a license (Schwab and Gelfman, 2001). Nurses often find themselves in conflicts with parents because of differing expectations. To prevent such conflicts, nurses should promote respectful communication with parents, informing them of what they can and cannot do and welcome their opinions on various issues. When it comes to medication, nurses can only administer drugs based on the laws governing their jurisdiction, but they

cannot dispense them.In schools, medication should only be given to students when it is necessary for them to receive an education or when a student has a severe condition. It is the responsibility of nurses to make sure that the prescribed dosage is administered correctly. Healthcare professionals should strive to provide excellent care in order to meet the varying health needs of their clients and keep thorough documentation. By consistently doing what is right, nurses can protect themselves and their school from legal action. If a nurse in our school believes medication should be administered, they contact the parent and advise them to take the child to a doctor.

In the digital age, technology has become an integral part of every system, including schools. School administrators must embrace information technology and utilize it for the benefit of students without compromising their safety. As this is a new and evolving issue, administrators should familiarize themselves with the laws that safeguard the use of modern technology in educational environments in order to be accountable. It is crucial for school administrators to be prepared, as there is always a possibility of legal consequences. Tronc (1996) suggests five resources that administrators need to be aware of, which includes understanding the court and jury system, effectively collaborating with attorneys, comprehending the complexities of litigation, reducing the risk of litigation through preventive law practices, and participating in the legal process as an expert witness. It is worth noting that administrators are responsible for ensuring that their staff members are knowledgeable about the laws and compliant with them to avoid potential incidents that may lead to litigation (Kotter, 1999).

References

The text references two sources: "Columbia.Drug, Legal Issues and Schools: Principles guide (2000) Department of Education, Employment and Training" and "Victoria.Huey, W., Remley, Theodore T. (1990)."

Ethical and Legal Issues in School Counseling.

• Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.
• Kelly, B. (1998) Legal Basics. A handbook for Educators.
• Kotter, J. P. (1999). What Leaders Really Do.
• Harvard Business Review Book.NSW Department of Education and Training (2000) leading and Managing the School. SydneyPurcell, J.

(2000).

; Dunklee, D. R. (2005). "What Every Education Leader should Know About Legal Actions. Anatomy of a Lawsuit." Tronc, K. (1996) No.3 Vol 18 Schools and the Law, in the Practicing Administrator.