Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna reka
The kūmara does not speak of its sweetness
Module Objectives:
- Understand ethical frameworks: Explore and understand various ethical frameworks and their application in educational leadership.
- Develop an ethical decision-making process: Develop and apply a structured process for making ethical decisions, considering diverse perspectives and potential consequences.
- Reflect on personal values and beliefs: Examine personal values and beliefs and how they influence ethical decision-making.
- Analyse ethical dilemmas in education: Analyse real-world ethical dilemmas commonly faced by school leaders.
- Apply ethical principles to school policies and practices: Evaluate and revise school policies and practices to ensure alignment with ethical principles and the school’s mission.
Section 1: Exploring Ethical Frameworks
Reading 1: “Tu Rangatera”
Now is a great time to dive into this resource, if you haven’t already, or refresh yourself if you have – https://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Leadership-development/Key-leadership-documents/Tu-rangatira-English
Reading 2: “What is Ethical Leadership and Why is it Important?”
https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-ethical-leadership-and-why-is-it-important/
Section 2: Developing an Ethical Decision-Making Process
Reading 3: “A Framework for Ethical Decision-Making in Schools”
This reading will provide a step-by-step process for making ethical decisions – https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/spag/governance/ethicaldecisionsmodel.pdf
Section 3: Personal Values and Ethical Leadership
Reading 4: “The Golden Circles”
Leading with the ‘why’ – https://simonsinek.com/golden-circle/
Resource 5: “Creating organizational cultures based on values and performance”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlhM7vALtUM
Task:
“Ethical Dilemma Analysis”
Step 1: Identify an ethical dilemma relevant to your role as an Associate/Deputy Principal at your kura.
Step 2: Apply what you have learned from the resources in this module, considering different perspectives, potential consequences, and relevant ethical principles.
Step 3: Discuss with your learning partner or a colleague at school how you would approach this dilemma, including how you might consult with others, what information you would need, and how you would ensure transparency and fairness in your decision-making.
Step 4: Document your analysis and proposed approach in the online forum for peer feedback and discussion.
Assessment:
- Completion of all readings.
- Participation in the online forum discussion.
- Analysis of an ethical dilemma and reflection on the application of ethical principles.
- Discussion with colleague or learning partner and documentation of the approach to resolving the dilemma.
2 Responses
Ethical Dilemma: Learning Assistant Dilemma – “Miscommunication Mayhem”
This ethical dilemma began when learning assistant 1 was shadowing our five-year-old Down syndrome student, LA1 was trying to keep her distance hiding from sight (a new strategy she was trying). The Down syndrome child was hiding in amongst the bags, under a towel, not wanting to go back to class. Another learning assistant arrived (LA2) and almost tripped over the girl. LA2 got a fright and looked around seeing no one supporting tried to help. LA1 tried to get LA2’s attention but couldn’t so ended up yelling at her to move away, ‘she had eyes on her’. LA2 was very offended (personality type ‘Protagonist’). This was the start of the mayhem. LA2 defended herself and yelled back at LA1. LA1 (personality type ‘Adventurer’) coward and ran, she did not want confrontation. LA2 was highly offended as her high standards and values had been questioned. Both LAs were very upset and ‘downloaded’ to our Learning Support Coordinator. One crying and the other feeling very angry. Both stating they had done nothing wrong. However both are very upset.
The LSC shared with me.
RESPECT I took a day to process what I had heard as both LAs are highly respected, very caring, great at their jobs. Lovely people but have very different personalities. Both were very highly upset by the incident. Emotions were high. I decided to wait a few days and bring up the incident after each of their Professional Growth Cycle conversations (as they had shared with the LSC and were wanting to move on from the incident). GET THE FACTS – When I spoke to LA1 about the incident she voiced how she had tried to get LA2s attention a number of times before she had raised her voice, so therefore she did not understand why LA2 had yelled at her. When I spoke with LA2 she was highly upset because she had been yelled at, (had not heard the other attempts to get her attention) she had defended herself and yelled back.
I processed what I had learnt and discussed next steps with a colleague. Having recently read ‘Quiet Leadership’ and this ethical module it helped with my next steps – EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS/MAKE A DECISION.
I tested my plan with a valued colleague. TEST IT. Then I ACTED on it. To bring them together I asked permission from both, which I got. At the meeting the body language showed anger. I had to get them thinking and reflecting so I started with their values, how good they are at their jobs, the strong team we all are (we have 15 LAs at our school). I then talked about how I think it is a miscommunication. I said the purpose of today was not to judge or tell them what to do, it was about sharing each of their stories, clarify and reflect on what happened. Eventually (20 mins)…LA1 apologised and as soon as she did, LA2’s body language relaxed and she accepted the apology, they started to open up and talk. By the end of the conversation they hugged and laughed.
I REFLECTED with a colleague.
The ethical decision model and having read Quiet Leadership were very helpful in planning this meeting – it really made me think through my approach. I did a lot of planning and thinking as I really wanted this to have a successful outcome. I knew if I did not address this dilemma it would poison our positive culture within the learning support team and further into the wider school group.
Thanks for sharing your ethical dilemma Susan. I applaud the way you handled the dilemma and resolved the conflict between the LA’s. As you state the positive culture of the LS team is fair too important to be put at risk by this issue. I also applaud how you allowed time to pass so that the heat could pass from the issue and a de-escalation occur over time.