Standard Two

Alice Paul-EDU 681 A, B, D

In the role of leading with ethics and professional norms, a school administrator's "what" encompasses acting ethically and professionally in every facet of their responsibilities, including personal conduct, relationships with others, decision-making, and stewardship of the school's resources. This commitment ensures the highest standards of conduct within the educational institution. The "so what" highlights the profound impact of these ethical and professional norms, as they underpin the school's culture, trust, and reputation. Moreover, administrators must act in accordance with and promote professional norms such as integrity, fairness, transparency, trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning, and continuous improvement. These norms not only guide their actions but also inspire these qualities in the school community, contributing to a positive and thriving educational environment. Lastly, administrators are entrusted with safeguarding and promoting the values of democracy, individual freedom and responsibility, equity, social justice, community, and diversity. These values reflect the fundamental principles of education in a democratic society and underscore the administrator's role in nurturing an inclusive and equitable learning environment. Now, the "now what" requires administrators to consistently exemplify these values, instilling them in school culture, policies, and practices. They should actively engage with the community to foster trust, promote ethical conduct, and advocate for social justice, ultimately creating a school environment that upholds the highest ethical and professional standards while championing democratic values and inclusivity. 

Creative Challenge EDU 681  C, E

In the realm of leading with ethics and professional norms, a school administrator's "what" is to place children at the center of education, acknowledging their paramount importance, and to accept responsibility for each student's academic success and well-being. This commitment signifies that the administrator recognizes the fundamental purpose of education is to serve the needs and aspirations of every student, and they hold themselves accountable for achieving this goal. The "so what" emphasizes that this approach not only upholds the ethical imperative of ensuring every child receives a high-quality education but also underlines the administrator's role in shaping a positive school culture centered on students' growth and well-being. Moreover, administrators must lead with interpersonal and communication skills, social-emotional insight, and an understanding of all students' and staff members' backgrounds and cultures. This is essential for fostering a culturally responsive and inclusive educational environment where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. The "now what" requires administrators to continually prioritize student success and well-being, creating policies and practices that support individualized learning and growth. They should also invest in professional development to enhance their cultural competence and interpersonal skills, ensuring that they can lead by example in promoting a respectful and inclusive school community that adheres to the highest ethical and professional norms. 

Disequilibrium EDU 681 (All areas) 

What: School Administrators Providing Moral Direction: This refers to the responsibility of school administrators to establish a moral compass for the school community. They are expected to define and communicate the values, principles, and ethical standards that guide the actions and decisions within the school.

Promoting Ethical and Professional Behavior: School administrators play a crucial role in fostering an environment where both faculty and staff adhere to ethical and professional conduct. This involves upholding high standards of integrity, honesty, fairness, and competence in all aspects of their roles.

So What: Creating a Values-Based Culture: When administrators provide clear moral direction, it sets the tone for the entire school community. A values-based culture creates a sense of shared purpose and identity, which can positively impact the learning environment and student outcomes.

Enhancing Trust and Collaboration: Promoting ethical and professional behavior among faculty and staff enhances trust among colleagues, students, and parents. It creates a foundation for effective collaboration and teamwork, leading to improved educational experiences for students.

Modeling Behavior: Administrators who lead by example inspire others to emulate ethical and professional behavior. This not only contributes to a positive school climate but also develops a generation of responsible citizens.

Now What: Professional Development: Administrators should provide ongoing training and development opportunities that address ethical decision-making and professional growth. This empowers faculty and staff to navigate complex situations with integrity and competence.

Transparent Communication: Administrators must regularly communicate the school's values, ethical expectations, and code of conduct. Open and transparent communication ensures that everyone understands and aligns with the school's moral direction.

Addressing Disequilibrium: Disequilibrium, in this context, refers to situations where there is a misalignment between the desired ethical norms and the actual behaviors within the school. Administrators should actively identify and address instances of ethical violations, offering support and corrective measures where needed.

Recognition and Accountability: Recognize and reward individuals and teams that consistently demonstrate ethical and professional behavior. Conversely, hold individuals accountable for actions that go against the established standards.

In summary, school administrators play a pivotal role in setting the moral compass of the school and cultivating a culture of ethical and professional behavior. This has far-reaching implications for the learning environment, collaboration, and the overall development of students. To ensure success, administrators must provide ongoing support, transparent communication, and proactive measures to address any challenges that arise in maintaining ethical norms and values.