One week before school started, a fifth grade teacher approached you and stated that "Shane" has been assigned to your sixth grade class. She said she had to spend 75% of her time with him while he was in her class. Further, she said that Shane was mean, he bullied kids, especially younger girls, and she was sure he was on the way to prison someday. She then added that the school has tried every means, even expelling him, to help him straighten up. She then wished you a sardonic, "Good Luck!" and left.

As a first year teacher, you were really apprehensive about the size and shape of this "monster," and how to handle him. Shane remained true to his reputation. Soon after school started, you were approached by six of the other boys in your class. Shane has been assaulting their younger sisters, and he also beat up on them when they try to stop him. After reflection, you suggested, subtly, that Shane certainly could not win a fight with all six of them at the same time.

Shortly afterward, you heard the boys warn Shane never to touch another girl again, or else! Shane promptly shoved a passing girl and knocked her down.

Within twenty minutes after the last class, Shane ran into your room. His lip was cut, his shirt was torn and dirty, and he was very angry. He began shouting, "All right for you! They said you told them to beat me up. That's not fair!"

Questions:

Have you done the right thing?

What should you do now?

Does the need to teach Shane a lesson about his own vulnerability in the face of his peers override the ethics of a teacher to instigate a punishment through others?

Could you have legally given him the same kind of punishment?

By whom and how is Shane going to learn that his behavior is unacceptable?

What other alternatives could you have chosen?