I think that I have mentioned before that in any situation their are a variety of perspectives, including the students, staff members, parents, and even the broader community. With that in mind, it's fair to say that no two situations are ever the same. Which brings me to my point this week, that is, fair does not necessarily mean equal. Equal means that everyone gets the same thing, fair means that people get what they need.
At the essence of fairness is determining the circumstances of each situation and the people involved. What is going to stimulate the greatest amount of learning and move the person forward strengthened? This is how we would want to be treated if we were in a situation where we had made a mistake, and its where students should be so that they can make mistakes and learn too.
A few years ago, the notion of "zero tolerance" emerged as a necessary component of most school codes of conduct. To many, zero tolerance meant that everyone got the same consequence regardless of circumstance. The notion has evolved to the point now where zero tolerance means that something will always be done when rules and beliefs are broken, but the consequence will be fair and in relation to the needs of the individual.
I believe this notion of, what's fair is not necessarily what's equal, is important in allowing students to take risks in their learning and still be held accountable when they make mistakes, but in a way that strengthens them, rather than blaming or shaming them.
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