Crack the Case #5 chapter 14

Jill Schettini

The main issue in this case would have to be Darius and his constant chattiness. I
think this is a common issue in most middle school classrooms. I know that trying to
keep students from constantly talking is a very difficult task, especially in a subject that
they may not be very interested in.
I dont necessarily think that suddenly pulling Darius from his math class is an
appropriate consequence in this situation. I can imagine the Ms. Welch was at her wits
end trying to figure out what to do with him but I dont think its really her place to take
him out of that class. If she knew that this would be a consequence she should have taken
him aside after class and told him that was a possibility. I think if Ms. Welch would have
considered that, Darius may have settled down a bit. Taking Darius out of the algebra
class will have a very negative effect on his behavior. I think it will make him resent Ms.
Welch because it was something he was very proud of and was excelling in. I think this
may make him quiet down in her class but I can see where it would affect his grade in her
class. Since this was a big deal for Darius, I dont think his relationship with Ms. Welch
will be the way it was before she removed him from the algebra class. Im sure hell be
very mad and resentful for her taking him out of an upper level class. Although Darius is
a good student I think that taking him out of a higher grade level class will make him feel
defeated and upset and most likely will take it out on anyone he can and it will most
likely make is grades in his other classes suffer as well.

Darius mother has every right to be upset as well. Im sure that she was aware of
his chattiness in class but Im sure that she was as shocked and upset as Darius when she
heard the news. She has every right to be upset and go to the principal about this
situation. At the same time I think that Ms. Zaccinelli will be a bit upset with Ms. Welch
as well. As her mentor, I dont think that she expected Ms. Welch to use their
conversation as part of Darius punishment
Ms. Welch should have not made a rash decision to remove Darius from another
teachers class without discussing it with both the teacher of the class and the principal. I
think they would both try and help her find other ways to keep him focused. By removing
him from a class he enjoyed, it may make him lose interest in school altogether and in
turn he could become more of a discipline problem. I think if Ms. Welch took Darius
aside and tried to figure out why he was acting out, they could come up with a plan
together.