ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a complex, real-life, accessible case study in expecting the best to provoke and stimulate conversation around practical problems and alternative solutions that confront educational leaders today. These cases cover a wide range of topics, including: teacher evaluations, educational reforms, school safety, cultural differences, undocumented students, and social media. Each case study has three alternative responses written by experienced educational administrators and academics. The respondents were asked to identify the primary problem, along with secondary problems, and to provide a strategy that will address the problems identified. The chapter explains about Tabitha, a long-term or permanent substitute teacher who has served as a special education teacher, and case manager for students with disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a substitute teacher such as Tabitha cannot serve as case manager, write Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or lead the IEP meetings because she is not employed as a full-time certified special education teacher.
