Superheros, Superegos, Student Discipline, and Great Power

Undoubtedly, we've heard that everpresent phrase time and time again.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

It's true... With great power does come great responsibility. When it comes to student discipline, I believe that power gets narrowed down to four or five simple responsibilities, two of which are the following: the responsibility to use that power to help others learn from your mistakes as well as the responsibility to use that power to help others learn from their own.

I'm not sure if I would have made the same decision Principal Delp made in his article about his verbal altercation with another student. I agree that he lost his head a bit and perhaps an apology was in order, but to "end the cycle of poor decisions" by giving letting up on the consequences of this child's actions? I disagree with that decision.

Yes, we are human. We all make mistakes that we should own up to and demonstrate humility when it is called for. Consequences, however, are consequences.

Now, perhaps this child does have extenuating circumstances that aren't mentioned in Mr. Delp's article, but if that is not the case, then I believe he should have received the consequences that were called for. It's not okay to exercise defiance to someone who is simply trying to hear both sides of the story. If Principal Delp were Officer Delp, and the student punched him simply because he was "having a bad morning," would Officer Delp let him off easy? I seriously doubt it.

What is our responsibility here? The more I think about it, I would have apologized for my loss of control, but the fact of the matter would still stand that the student was excessively disrespectful and defiant when approached in a very civilized manner. In my mind, it is our responsibility as educators to teach students the importance of consequences for their actions.

Sorry, Mr. Delp. I understand your reasons for your actions, but did that student?