DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

Dignity for All Students Act

Patrick Flood

Hunter College
Graduate School of Education
DASA Training Workshop
Spring 2015

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

Assignment # 1

1) What is the main premise that makes this primarily an

educational law issue and not a criminal law issue? Explain how this
relates to all school mission statements.

Childhood bullying is, unfortunately, still a part of many peoples

childhoods. Part of growing up is to learn about bullying and about
harassment and to be kinder to each other. The main premise is that
bullying is not necessarily a criminal law issue. Schools have mission
statements stating that they are to create a safe environment free of
bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

2)

In the case of gender or sexuality, why is the perception

of gender or sexuality indicated as well as the actual gender or

sexuality of the student?

The perception of a students gender or sexuality is indicated as well

as the students actual gender or actual sexuality since students can be
bullied for either reason and, regardless, its not acceptable. It does not
matter whether or not perpetrators have misconceptions about a students
gender or sexuality.

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

3)

How does the law expand the schools ability to address

cyber bullying when it happens in the privacy of a students home?

The law expands the schools ability to address bullying that occurs in
the privacy of a students home because cyberbullying can happen while the
student is home.

4)

If a teacher became aware of harassment based on an

issue not specifically enumerated in the law, would they have to

report it? Explain why.

Yes, a teacher would have to report harassment that is based on an

issue that is not specifically enumerated in the law. The issue is still
harassment and should not be tolerated even though its not specifically
enumerated in the law. The teacher should still report it and follow up with
the designated school official(s).

5) How would you demonstrate compliance with part 2 of the above

portion of section 12 in your classroom? Give at least 2 specific
examples.

1. I can distribute a copy of the age-appropriate code of conduct to

students in my class; and,

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

2. I can read a summary of the policies (from 12 part 1) to my
class.

6) What are the specific time frames for the two types of reports
that must be filed under this law?

The time frames are one school day and two school days and are
described in the part (c) of 13, which states: require school employees
who witness harassment, bullying or discrimination, or receive an oral or
written report of harassment, bullying or discrimination, to promptly orally
notify the principal, superintendent or the principal's or superintendent's
designee not later than one school day after such school employee
witnesses or receives a report of harassment, bullying or discrimination, and
to file a written report with the principal, superintendent or the principal or
superintendent's designee not later than two school days after making such
oral report[].

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

7) Why are the time frames set to cause reporting as soon as the
problem is identified? Indicate at least 3 possible negative
outcomes for students if the reporting was not filed in a timely
fashion.

The time frames are set to cause reporting as soon as possible as the
problem is identified. Otherwise, there could be negative outcomes such as:
danger to a students well-being;
damage to school property; and/or,
danger to school employees.

8) Give two examples of what the school might do in response to

the report that would indicate they are in compliance with the
word and spirit of this law?

1. They can conduct a thorough investigation. 2. They can also notify the
appropriate local law enforcement agency if a student is in physical danger.

9) When does the school have a duty to report the incident to

local police agencies?

The law requires

the

principal,

superintendent or the

principal's

superintendent's designee, to notify promptly the appropriate local

or
law

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

enforcement

agency

when

such

principal, superintendent or the

principal's or superintendent's designee, believes that any

harassment,

bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.

10) Indicate at least three similarities/differences when comparing

NYS Child Abuse Requirements and the mandates of the D.A.S.A
law.
1. As mandated reporters, teachers must report instances of child abuse.
2. As teachers, we also have to report bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
3. Both mandates are designed to detect, prevent, and remedy abusive
situations.

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood

Assignment # 2

As a teacher, I will aim to infuse helpful information about the

appropriate use of technology into my classes. When I teach algebra to my
8th grade class, I will let them know about the many diverse cultures and
individuals who made contributions to our modern-day understanding of
mathematics. A major theme of this lesson is to respect differences of
thought, race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexuality, etc., since
everyone has a contribution to make.

With respect to cyberbullying, I will let students know that technology

at present has a long memory in that information can be hard to or nearly
impossible to remove. Students should therefore not sext or forward sexting
images of themselves or others. They should not be fooled into thinking that
they have anonymity on the internet. It will be stressed that real people (for
example, children such as 8th grade students) can be hurt by your actions -just as you, yourself, can be.

I hope to use every moment as a learning opportunity. I would invite

guest speakers to my classroom. I would also like students to know that they
can share their feelings and pain and let their parents and teachers know
about abuse and that they are not alone.

DASA Workshop Assignments - Patrick Flood