FCAT dilemma -- your opinion?

[Molten]

Originally Posted by Tom Line

Obeying those in authority is usually a good thing, but not when what they're telling you to do is stupid and they refuse to see it.

Lets look at the messages sent by either approach. If you follow your superiors you are telling them it is important to follow the rules even if it is a major inconvenience. Not a bad message really. I mean, they might get pushed around by bosses if they take it too far. But overall, not bad.

If you don't follow your superiors, you are telling them it is important to get the job done no matter what. Also not a bad message. However, if they take this too far. They might lose a job over it. (Similarly, if you go against your superiors they might disband your team)

Both messages can be good if taken in the right light and context. However either one can be taken too far. Be sure to show your students there is a balance between getting the job done and following authority. If you don't follow authority, be prepared to take any repercussions. As long as the repercussions is better then not completing the task, I can fully understand why you would consider just taking the punishment and getting the job done.

In this case though, the repercussions seem too great for the problem at hand. Simply put, I'd take what you can get it and be happy with it. Rock the boat too much and it will tip. The best advice I can give is find a new proper channel. There are always many. Some of which were mentioned above. I don't know if things are the same there, but in my home town anyone could get a meeting with the mayor. You might try that. If nothing else, you could get a big name supporting you.