Dilemma: Right vs. Right
Stick to the Rule, or Make an Exception for a Good Student?
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, and he does it well. He is a sensitive and dedicated student, who strives hard to please. One Wednesday, Raoul was sick and out of school, and the following day 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 have gotten a day's extension for being sick. James also knows the thought of serving detention is devastating to 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 had been sick and his routine was disrupted.
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