Disciplinary methods and/or theories to the analysis of social, cultural, psychological

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Apply appropriate disciplinary methods and/or theories to the analysis of social, cultural, psychological, ethical, political, technological, or economic issues or problems.
Topic: School Resource Officers
Background Information:
Recent high-profile school violence incidents have raised concern about protecting schools. Some states have implemented School Resource Officers (SROs), who are full-time sworn law enforcement officers, to increase security. Currently, 45% of all public schools have SROs. Concerns about the excessive use of force have raised concerns over the necessity and impact of SROs. In November 2019, for example, an SRO in Pompano Beach, FL was charged with child abuse after a video surfaced of him slamming a 15-year-old student to the ground. A few years earlier, a federal judge ruled that SROs in Birmingham, AL had used unconstitutional levels of force when they pepper sprayed students for minor disciplinary infractions, including crying in the hallway. Although the vast majority of school days pass without incident, when an SRO does use force as an instrument of discipline, questions arise about the necessity of a police presence on campuses, particularly if the force is caught on camera.

Process:

The purpose of this assignment is to enhance your critical thinking skills through a mini-essay.

What is critical thinking? It is the ability to think rationally and clearly, understanding the logical connection between concepts and ideas. It requires you to be an active learner rather than just a passive recipient of knowledge and information. Critical thinking is a way of thinking about specific things at a specific time. It is not just the accumulation and recollection of facts that you can use in the same format down the line as you would with a grammar or multiplication table learned in elementary school. Critical thinking is an adaptive skillset that helps enable a way of thinking about whatever the issue/argument is so that you can arrive at the best possible conclusion/solution.

 

Sample Solution

School violence – two words that strike fear and concern in the hearts of parents, educators, and communities alike. In response to this critical issue, School Resource Officers (SROs) have emerged as a potential solution. These sworn law enforcement officers stationed in schools are intended to enhance security and deter violence. However, the use of SROs comes with a complex set of considerations, raising questions about their effectiveness and potential drawbacks.

Examining the Issue Through Different Lenses:

  • Social/Cultural: SROs might create a more punitive school environment, potentially leading to a “school-to-prison pipeline” for students of color who are disproportionately targeted for disciplinary actions.
  • Psychological: A constant police presence can heighten anxiety and feelings of fear among students, hindering their ability to learn and thrive in a safe space.
  • Ethical: Excessive use of force by SROs raises ethical concerns and questions the role of law enforcement in addressing minor disciplinary issues. The Pompano Beach and Birmingham incidents highlight this concern.
  • Political: The debate surrounding SROs is often politically charged. Politicians advocating for “tough on crime” approaches might favor SROs, while those emphasizing restorative justice might seek alternative solutions.
  • Economic: Implementing and maintaining SRO programs requires significant resources. This raises questions about cost-effectiveness, especially when compared to investing in social workers, counselors, or mental health services for schools.

Critical Thinking in Action:

  • Weighing Evidence: While SROs might deter some serious incidents, data on their overall effectiveness in preventing school violence is mixed. Critical thinking requires us to evaluate the available research on both sides of the argument.
  • Alternatives vs. Complements: Instead of replacing social workers or counselors, perhaps SROs can work collaboratively with them to address underlying issues that contribute to school violence.
  • Training and Oversight: Ensuring proper training for SROs in de-escalation tactics, implicit bias recognition, and age-appropriate interventions is crucial. Robust oversight mechanisms are also necessary to prevent the abuse of power.

Conclusion

The issue of SROs requires a nuanced approach. Critical thinking demands that we go beyond simply identifying problems but also explore potential solutions. A comprehensive approach that prioritizes student well-being and incorporates social workers, counselors, and well-trained SROs might offer a more promising path towards creating safer and more positive school environments.

 

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