The Full Collection of Justice in Schools Case Studies

Something in the Water: Controversial Issues and Competitive Debate

Snapshot: In Memphis, TN, debate coaches are surprised when the school district informs them that they’re not allowed to use national resources that tackle questions of environmental racism by examining lead in the water supply. While the district wishes...

Basic Education for All: The Politics of Implementing 100% Transition from Primary School to Secondary School in Kenya

Snapshot: In 2020, the Kenyan government declared that secondary school would be mandatory for all—effective immediately. In response to pushback about the impracticality of immediate 100% transition, the Cabinet Secretary for Education defiantly declared...

Course Correction: Teaching Critical Consciousness in an Anti-CRT State

Snapshot: Facing community pushback and a new state law prohibiting teaching “critical race theory,” a middle school principal must decide whether to run a critical consciousness course for students. While student polling shows that the school climate has...

A Qualified Disaster: Allocating Student Grades During COVID-19

Snapshot: When national examinations in England were canceled during the Covid-19 pandemic, policy makers were tasked with deciding the fairest way to allocate student grades in their place. This case explores the ethical trade-offs involved in that...

School Choice in Hong Kong: Peking Ducks or Rich Expats?

Snapshot: A group of parents in Hong Kong considers which type of schooling will best prepare their children for the future. The local schools and international schools offer benefits and drawbacks that will impact their children’s lives now and for many...

Remaking the Grade: District's Quest for Equitable Homework Policy

Snapshot: In this case study, Arlington, VA, faced criticism from teachers and parents when the district announced a plan to make homework more equitable by eliminating deadlines and other requirements. How can schools address inequalities in the...

High School at the Coal-Face

Snapshot: In this case from Australia, a high school principal in a regional town is seeking community input on a sponsorship arrangement with the local coal mining company—how should he lead his school through the sponsorship evaluation process while...

A Parallel Universe: Conspiracy Theories and the Limits of Education

Snapshot: Conspiracy theories play an increasingly important and often highly problematic role in political debates in liberal democracies. As a student at a German high school becomes deeply immersed in the world of conspiracy theories in the wake of the...

Photo Bomb: Responding to Online Transgressions

Snapshot: A pair of seventh graders in Madrid take a topless photo of a female classmate using WhatsApp and forward it to the rest of the class. This case asks teachers and families to think about dilemmas that arise when underage students at home misuse...

Caught in the Web: Educational Risks and Rewards of Online Learning

Snapshot: Online learning can offer many educational benefits for both students and teachers, but how much online learning is too much? Should this principal apply for a funding program that would put half the curriculum online, or has the pandemic taught...

Sophomoric Skipping: Determining Fair Consequences

Snapshot: Should a student who skipped school be allowed to make up missing work? This case explores dilemmas that arise when academic consequences are linked to behavioral infractions. How can schools discourage dangerous behavior without endangering...

Feeling Exposed in Online Class: Safety in the Virtual Civics Classroom

Snapshot: This case from the Netherlands explores the challenges of organizing a safe space for discussion in the online civics classroom. Should teachers refrain from inviting students to share their opinions, feelings and concerns online because they...