12 Year Old Boy Injured During a Public School Field Trip

Case Overview

This case involves a 12-year-old boy who sustained an injury during a public school field trip. The child’s class visited a state park, where the students were allowed to ride bicycles on a wooded trail. Protective wear was offered to some of the students, however, many began riding down the trail without helmets. Less than a ½ mile into the trail, the boy lost control of his bicycle and crashed head first into a large tree. He sustained critical injuries, including a skull fracture and brain injury. An educational leadership expert was sought to opine on the issue.

Questions to the Education expert and their responses

Are students required to wear helmets while riding bicycles during a school-sponsored trip?

By no means should these children have been permitted to ride bicycles without protective wear; I would also insist that school officials should have explored the trail to ensure that it was safe for their students to ride on.

What are the obligations of the school supervisors to ensure the safety of its students while in their custody?

School officials are responsible for supervising all activities during a school-sponsored trip. Adequate measures must be taken to ensure that all students are chaperoned by responsible adults, who must care for these children as their own. In this instance, it seems like the supervisors should have made sure the students wore helmets and protective gear at a bare minimum. As a former school president and current superintendent, I know that accidents can happen – but still, school officials must do everything in their power to make sure their students are safe at all times.

About the expert

This expert currently serves an adjunct university professor in the Department of Educational Administration and Special Education. His professional experience includes serving as a school superintendent, principal, special educator, teacher, administrator, and management consultant. He holds Doctorate in Education Administration and Supervision, and a Masters in Education Law and Special Education. He is the founder of an education management consulting firm that provides consultation services across a wide range of educational fields.

E-000670

Specialties:

Education

Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.