Case Study #5

ISLLC #5 A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.

Promoting Success with Integrity

Questions:

How can an administrator promote the success of students by acting in an ethical manner?

How does the administrator preserve with integrity while promoting student learning?

The administrator or principal of a school must start with a dedication to student achievement. This requires that that person act with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner. That person must be thoroughly committed to the school. Acting in an ethical way is a requirement of government and is clearly outlined in the code of conducts established by our government official and local school boards. Defined desired behaviors help maintain the look of professionalism and ensures fairness in the operations of the school. The principal at Dogwood Road Elementary promotes student success while acting with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner. The principal believes the school staff should promote student success, while acting in an ethical way. At the start of the each school year, she explains her philosophy on professionalism and reviews the code of conduct. During the school year, she models the same expectations for her staff. One expectation is to treat people fairly, equitably and with dignity and respect. On numerous occasions have seen my principal maintain professionalism and remain respectful, when the same was not given to her. She listens to all sides and makes decisions on purely facts. She had to make an unpopular decision this year and let go a “popular and fun” faculty member. Faculty and community members questioned and criticized her. At times, it would have been easier to tell why the tough decision was made, she remained silent and endures the criticisms. She protected the rights and confidentiality of the released staff member. The decision was made because she was committed to the promotion of student success and the development of a caring school community. She graciously accepted the consequences for upholding her principles and actions.

The principal is a highly visible person, constantly encouraging that everything be fair at all times. She ensures that extra assignments such as hall duties and after-school tutoring assignments are distributed equally among the staff. A schedule is set at the beginning of the year. She takes every opportunity to praise the faculty, staff, parents and students for their hard work. She demonstrates respectful and sincere attitudes that inspire others to do their best.

There are many avenues of reward that can be used for persons who do commendable work, top among those being regular verbal praise at meetings or during classroom visits. The staff and faculty at Dogwood Road Elementary School receive many extrinsic rewards and for the most part have high self-esteem and take pride in their accomplishments, thanks to the praise and support given them by the principal. She appears genuinely sincere when she compliments others and always displays a true commitment to the vision of the school. She makes it a point to recognize all staff members at some point. Being fair by nature works well for her in her leadership role and her involvement in community activities benefits the Dogwood Road Elementary School as a whole.

I feel that this case study is developing meaning that it is done with evidence to back up the thoughts related about the school and the principal. Clear and specific evidence was presented in several instances. Many times specific criteria was given to describe the accomplishments of the principal. The questions have been answered in detail and appropriate examples were given. All evidence presented was very specific and credible. I feel that I thought this out very well detailing the principal’s knowledge, disposition and performance. Even though in the interest of being succinct I did not include some components on the list of ISLLC Standards, I did give examples that would describe an accomplished administrator.

Clearly the principal described understands the importance of promoting the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner. Being a positive role model of ethical behavior has proven many times to be an asset to the school as evidenced by the control and enthusiasm she displays when dealing with difficult situations. She always assumes a lead role through the entire process and all persons around her can tell that she believes in and is committed to treating people fairly and with respect. She strives for student success in the whole school population regardless of society barriers. She carefully listens to the views of all concerned and then historically makes a good decision as to whether or not it should be changed and how to change it. She is always willing to do the work required to make Dogwood Road Elementary School as good as it can be. Another of the principal’s strong points is her ability to stand behind her beliefs in the vision of the school, thus conveying to all her genuine commitment to Dogwood Road Elementary School. She always displays ethical behavior and encourages all staff to act ethically, as well.