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A friend's white lie.
When the rules don't fit.
James is a fourth-grade classroom teacher whose homework policy is that homework for the week goes home on Friday and is due the following Thursday. He emphasizes that it is the students' choice to do it or not, but if homework is not completed and handed in on Friday, they will serve detention during one recess period.
Raoul is an excellent student who always finishes his work on time and correctly. He is a sensitive and dedicated student who strives hard to please. One Wednesday, Raoul is sick and out of school; the following day, Thursday, he forgets to bring his homework to class. This is the first time Raoul does not have his homework. James is sure he did his work: Raoul could get a day's extension for being sick. James also knows the thought of serving detention is devastating for Raoul.
James has to decide whether to follow the rule and have Raoul serve the detention, or make an exception based on the fact that Raoul has been sick and his routine is disrupted.
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