Inappropriate language is completely unacceptable and should be addressed.

Copyright infringement is critical to highlight.  Teachers have been proven guilty of copyright infringement causing great liability and cost to themselves and their administration.

Email needs to be monitored in all settings and all who utilize this great tool should be mindful of the fact that it can be monitored with every email as indicated.  It’s interesting to learn that technology has advanced enough for students to use email at school.

Email Etiquette in critical for teachers and school leaders.  As a representative for the school and school system, it is imperative there is never the perception of agressive behavior on the internet, in email, or even in social networking.

Although typical access protocal is understood, it is probably inconvenient to be restricted from connecting personal laptops that are used to work on assignments at home.

The quality of the information on the internet is often believed to be golden at every turn.  It is wise to include a disclaimer regarding the quality of information on the website, protecting the schools from unnecessary conflict.

Vandalism should not be tolerated.

Inappropriate internet results in disciplinary action up to and including termination inthe corporate world.  It is well within reason for this practice to carry-over into most workplaces.

In addition to the internet, which is topic enough alone, there are so many teaching toos that can enhance learning and aid teachers in making lesson plans interesting and engaging.  Communication between teacher-student has changed tremendously in the last 15 years, the way assignments are communicated and submitted has changed.  Everything is automated causing pure joy in some cases and pure havoc in others.  Ultimately, technology has made a profound impact on education as a whole.  Student learning is elevated to a much higher level as a result of today’s technology

The notion Teacher’s are becoming more of a guide or coach as opposed to a dissiminator of information is an interesting thought.  As we move more into the age of home schooling, where the digital world replaces the traditional classroom environment it is essential to consider the impact the digital generation will have on children, teaching, and ultimately the character of people as opportunities continue to present themselves for unethical bevavior that becomes more widely practiced and then ultimately more widely accepted.

At any rate, I think the teachers could have reached out to Dad to talk to him about Thomas’ behavior and offer suggestions on how to partner to improve his behavior.   As I mentioned before, I’ve found that many parents are defensive or fail to be receptive to difficult messages regarding a need for change in a child primarily because… they just don’t know what to do… and if you bring it to their attention they often take it personally or just somehow disagree.  The tough parent often lacks the knowledge necessary to make the change and could take it personally but  I think the teachers should have continued to discipline Thomas consistently, in line with past practice, and should take advantage of an opportunity to enlighten or at least share their thoughts with Dad about what might help Thomas’ behavior improve at school and at home.  They could tell Dad what type of environment/situations/responses from Mom/Dad could cause positive changes and educating Dad helps Thomas long-term.