Please add a comment related to the Code of Ethics Standards or Chapter 6 of The Leader in Me.
Code of Ethics Standards
Standard 1: Professional Conduct
Standard 2: Trustworthiness
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts
Standard 4: Teacher/Student Relationship
Standard 5: Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession
Standard 6: Public Funds and Property
An educator entrusted with public funds and property should honor that trust with a high level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility.
Ethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Maximizing the positive effect of school funds through judicious use of said funds.
• Modeling for students and colleagues the responsible use of public property.
Unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• Misusing public or school-related funds.
• Failing to account for funds collected from students or parents.
• Submitting fraudulent requests for reimbursement of expenses or for pay.
• Co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts.
• Using school property without the approval of the local board of education/governing body.
The Leader in Me—Chapter 6
Stephen R. Covey
“In years to come, your students may forget what you taught them. But they will always remember how you made them feel.”—Sign in A.B. Combs faculty room, author unknown
Questions to consider for Chapter 6
What are the lessons learned from this chapter about duplicating an initiative from another school?
What are some of the tangible results from implementing a leadership theme?
How are the roles of leadership and partnerships with community stakeholders and parents important in implementing such a change initiative?
One of the things that I found very interesting in this chapter was the positive partnerships with parents and community stakeholders. The leadership theme really does address much of what our parents and communities want from our schools, and the evidence here is that they are willing to support such an initiative.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need our communities to be more involved. I like the "ownership" model. Giving the community an active roll in the decissions that are made at the school. I have found over the years that you can get community help when you make them an active part of the planning process. A community is more willing to participate in an activity when they feel that the end result is a team effort.
ReplyDeleteI feel the lesson about duplicating an initiative from another school is all in the way you implement the plan. Taking an idea and making it your own is fine and the results can be great. However, I think there is a danger when you take an idea then you try to duplicate the process from another school. Your culture and environment is different. Even in Blount County as close as our schools are we are all still different. What may be a great idea at Southeastern with Mike and his staff may not even work here at Locust Fork Elementary with Mark and his staff. We have to make any idea mesh with the local dynamic of the school.
One of the biggest responsibilities that we have as administrators is the poper handeling of school funds. I take that responsibility very seriously. Especially in our current funding situation we have to watch the bottom line even closer to ensure a healthy finacial balance. How we manage our funds during these difficult times should teach us how not to waste them when we are in good finacial funding times. Our ethical responsibilities go beyond the ethical use of the money that we have to use for our schools. We should be good stewarts of the money and demonstrate to all of our stakeholders, teachers, parents, and students that making good, sound finacial judgements can help improve a school. I also feel like we have to be careful not to try to fix every problem with money. Sometimes the most important thing you can do to improve a situation is to give it some much needed extra attention.
ReplyDeleteVery impressive posts, guys. The pictures look great too!
ReplyDeleteI remember years ago being interviewed by Pam Huff from television and she asked about the funding in my classroom. I told her that I usually spent around $450 a year of my own money in my classroom. She asked me if that was usual for classroom teachers to spend their own money for classroom supplies. She could not believe my answer of "yes". I told her that I knew of teachers that spent more than that. Does money solve all of our problems? No, but it sure does help to support the curriculum and the teacher. Most of my parents have been more than generous in supporting me in my classroom: financially, spiritually, and in many other ways. I think when they see a teacher investing in their own classroom, they know that this is a room that they would like to help. By investing, I don't just mean to invest with money; but, with time. We have to be diligent in investing in our own classroom and school if we really expect the community to "buy" into it too. I agree with Steve that each community has different needs. From the 7 habits book, remember that the key to being understook is to understand others needs and concerns and listen to the priorities of the other person. We must really listen to our community's needs and concerns. If our community really believes that we are hearing with our "heart", they will support us. I've seen it happen.
ReplyDeleteIt would be beneficial if everyone followed the Code of Ethics. It is just common sense that people entrusted with public funds should use the utmost descretion when spending this money. However, it should not be limited to educators. Politicians, government workers, or anyone else dealing with taxpayer funds should abide by these guidelines. As educators we are in an unique position. We are the role models most prominent in the lives of our students. They watch us and model after us - good or bad. Abiding by this code is just the right thing to do - even if no one is watching!
ReplyDeleteI try very hard to conserve every penny and make sure school funds are spent in the best possible way to help children. Our community has entrusted me and I want to live up to that trust. I also agree with Mark; not everything can be fixed by throwing money at it. Often the problem just needs some time and attention.
ReplyDeleteManaging money is indeed a big challenge for school administrators but I have observed some who use funding as an excuse for inaction. As I read about the schools in Chapter 6, no one said, "Yeah, we thought this was a great idea but we don't have the money to do this right now"
ReplyDeleteDr. Baker,
ReplyDeleteI think your comment about using the lack of funding as an excuse for "inaction" is a great point to remember.
As I read Chapter 6 in "The Leader in Me", I noticed several things which seemed to be consistent throughout the various schools discussed in the chapter. Most notable to me was that there was never an effort to "make one size fit all". In fact, quite the contrary.
ReplyDeleteI particularly liked the quote on page 125 attributed to Muriel Summers, Principal of A.B. Combs Elementary School, "Do not boil someone else's water." As Steve Love pointed out in an earlier post, the culture and environment is different at various schools. While key improvement effort concepts are needed throughout the state of Alabama and perhaps the U.S., we should be careful to implement key concepts in ways which serve our particular students and faculties best rather than finding one successful model and attepting to mass replicate it across the state.
I agree with Dr. Baker concerning using the lack of funding as an excuse. But not everything requires money being thrown at it. Many times the answer to problems can be resolved through meeting with Department Heads, brainstorming for ideas, or polling community stakeholders. Often we fail to resolve problems because for fear of high cost related to implementing the resolution.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you when funding is used as an excuse for inaction. It is easy to use and the media helps by reporting it consistently. As a leader in our community and a member of a community, I do not like to hear excuses. People want results no matter the circumstances. As a public servant it is my duty to stretch the dollar as far as it can go but also use the WIT approach. (Whatever it takes.) I agree with Mr. Hargett that problems often just need our creativity with a little time and attention.
ReplyDeleteAs once a classroom teacher (and in my heart, I will always be), most of the great learning experiences for my students were free. There were times I'd spend $30 to gather some extravagant presentations materials. But in the end, my students created better results than what I bought at Wal-Mart. I think teachers, administrators, and even parents can sometimes become reliant on money and more money. Money cannot replace quality instruction. Money cannot make a teacher put his/her heart and soul into teaching. Money cannot spend 20 minutes at night telling or reading a child a bedtime story. Money cannot replace the leader within. I have to say, "The best things in life are free."
ReplyDeleteI agree that modeling appropriate procedures and respect for funds is very important, but I feel that, as principal, I must go much further than that. I have learned that trusting individuals to follow policies and laws regarding public money is not good practice. As principal, we're the foremost responsible party to ensure public funds are not mismanaged or misused. To ensure this, I feel I can trust no one. I need only to establish a verified trust.
ReplyDeleteAll of the schools mentioned in Ch. 6 demonstrated numerous tangible results from implementing a leadership theme. Not only students felt positive changes, but also faculty and staff members, parents, and community leaders benefitted. Students began taking ownership for their education accepting responsibility for their own actions and behavior. Discipline problems decreased. Test scores increased. Problem solving skills skyrocketed. It's just a win-win situation.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of gathering input from the parents and students of the community. After all, they are our clients and we are expected to please them. When we go to the doctor, he/she allows us some input as to our plan of care. So, why can't we allow some input for the students' plan of education? Sometimes I wonder if schools are "afraid" of parents. Listening to some teachers talk, it sounds like it is teachers v. parents. Wouldn't things go more smoothly if everyone was on the same page? In the last chapter, I also liked the idea of students serving on leadership teams and interview teams. They could give insight that we only dream of!
ReplyDeleteEnsuring that public funds be spent in the proper manner is an obligation owed by a school administrator to the tax payer. I believe that the public will support educational funding, as long as, they know that their money is being spent properly and is helping children. Educational stakeholders have to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely and they should expect to see results. Money cannot solve all problems, but quality education needs sufficient funding.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading, I noticed the comment about Lauretta (pg 115):they said that her indent was to always to benefit the students. If we are dealing with students or the school finances, there has to be trust that we are doing everything for the benefit of the students. If we are always working on the win-win then there is no telling how much we can achieve. "No one, of course, knows for sure how far or wide the rippling will extend or how long it will continue." pg 108
ReplyDeleteI noticed some impressive results of implementing a leadership theme. Parent involvement in the school is an area we are always trying to improve. The schools with a leadership theme noticed an increase of parent involvement. When a parent is involved in his child's education, the student seems to experience more areas of success. Schools with leadership themes also had an increase of students handling their own disagreements. It would be amazing to work at a school where the majority of the students were masters of resolving conflicts. The entire culture of the school would change. In this environment, any goal could be accomplished.
ReplyDeleteAs community leaders, school administrators are role models for not only students, but all within the community. We have been given much to be responsible for so there is much that is expected from us. When we mess with people's money or their kids, we are in for a fight. We have been entrusted with both. We must handle both with good common sense.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned by others, the success of this leadership model is not to get hooked in the "one size fits all" but to develop leadership in your students, teachers, and parents. This buy-in seemed to have very positive results. If we can get our students to problem solve their differences, our job would be much easier.
ReplyDeleteOriginal post by Mike Peoples.
I continue to be amazed by the connections and reflections that you all are making despite your crazy lives and school schedules. Thank you all for making this PLU process such a joy--and fairly easy to manage for me. If I can do anything to make the last few posts easier for you, please let me know. We only have three left!
ReplyDeleteEspecially in hard economic times like now, I will share with my students what I will be using their donation money for. For instance, this year we are purchasing a large, wall mounted screen so that the students can view history videos more clearly. I will tell my students "this is what we used your donation money for." I think it is important that students and parents know that their money is being used wisely and that it will actually benefit the students directly. After all, money is pretty hard for many to come by at this time.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEthical conduct is only a part of being the custodian of funds in your building. The responsibility of an administrator when dealing with school funds has been magnified by difficult economic times. The trust of the shareholders can be gained by disclosing the needs of the building and making timely judicious decision with public monies. It is important for administrators to be informed of economic trends and possible shortfalls in monies. The administrator would do well in gaining the trust of the learning community, to inform the shareholders of such trends and what to expect from such trends.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous posters about throwing money at a problem isn't always a remedy to the problem. However, I also feel that it is hard to have modern, effective schools without our State leaders making it a top priority. As school administrators, we must make the best out of a bad situation and continue to pray for better times.
ReplyDeleteTwo years ago members from our school were given the opportunity to attend a workshop in Destin, Florida. I am sure that several teachers signed up because of the location of the conference. I have to admit that is was a tough decision. The Nuts and Bolts Symposiums are specifically designed for those teachers and administrators who deal with middle school students. Every year they have a theme they push to those who attend. Building relationships with your students was the theme that kept appearing in each session. I believe that kids could care less about what you know until they know how much you care. At the conference, I learned several strategies and ideas. I have implemented many of these into my classroom. Each one deals specifically with building relationships. It is important for kids to feel ownership inside of your classroom. After all, it is really not my classroom, once I am gone someone else will take the torch. Our students are not going to be able to resite everything we want them to remember; however, they will recall how we taught and if we tried to reach out to them.
ReplyDeleteIn response to the question, ‘What are the lessons learned from this chapter about duplicating an initiative from another school?’, I have to smile as I think of the schools in Blount County that have become a part of the “rippling effect”. We should be so proud of the great initiatives that many of our schools have initiated and the attention that they have received statewide and from national organizations. When Steven Covey stated on pg 108, “No one, of course, knows for sure how far or wide the rippling will extend or how long it will continue”, I thought of a conversation I had with a school leader just this morning expressing concern over the number of visits and requests for visits the school had received. I guess one of the lessons that I have learned is - if your school is succeeding, others will take notice and they will want to know how to duplicate the success for their own school.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Donna on the success that our schools have had with various programs. I've always been cautious about "copying" a program from another school. Early in my administrative career I learned the hard way that just because something works at one school doesn't necessarily mena it will work at another. I may LOVE a program that a successful school is implementing but if my teachers and students don't buy into it then it won't work. So far, the A+ program has been successful at my school mainly because I have teachers buying into the program.
ReplyDeleteLeadership looks different for all of us. The important thing as Covey points out is what our students and parents (our public) feel. Is it in their best interest? In the past few weeks, the Alabama Legislature has overridden the Governor's veto and killed the proposed Educator Code of Ethics. As educators and professionals, just as before this drama played out in Montgomery, we must be dedicated to serving our public with honesty and integrity. I think the Leader In Me would be a good read for all public officials.
ReplyDeleteAfter learning more about the schools using the leadership theme, several common factors stood out. They used a common language, developed partnerships, utilized teamwork, and took ownership of the initiative. All of these factors worked to unify them and make their venture successful. I think we all would agree that teamwork is an essential element in a successful organization. I echo what several others have said about the need for each organization to take ownership of their initiative and make it uniquely theirs. The specific factors that make things work at one school will not necessarily work at another. I especially liked the phrase in Chapter 6 that stated “Do not boil someone else’s water.” When trying to duplicate successes at other schools, we should use what works, but change what would work better in our particular situation.
ReplyDeleteToo often we hear of administrators being accused of improper use of school funds. Administrators need to adhere to the stringent guidelines of how funds are to be used, collected, and spent. Administrators must remember the key word is public funds, and that our accounting procedure can be reviewed at any time by those with a vested interest. Administrators must avoid questionable expenditures like the plague. Once you have been accused of improper use of funds, it is almost impossible to repair the negative damage. This is why it is so very important for administrators to be proactive in the proper use of funds. One way to be proactive is for all administrators to carefully review the auditor’s report and verify that accepted accounting principles are being followed.
ReplyDeleteAs leaders in the community and within the school it is important for educators to demonstrate proper professional conduct. Parents and students look to these leaders to be persons of trustworthiness and good moral character. Educators have a responsibility to teach and lead by setting the proper examples for students to observe and follow.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Smith, that we must demonstrate at all times proper professional conduct. We must demonstrate the qualifications of good leadership at all times. Our students, parents and our community must see this in our character at all times. I told this to a friend one time when they asked me why I didn't do something while on vacation, "I'm a professional educator no matter where I go". We must set the example for all to follow
ReplyDeleteAs administrators, our stake holders intrust us with being honest and hold us in high asteem. The misuse of public funds can get an administrator as well as the school itself into big trouble. Due to the economics of our school systems in our state we must use our money very wisey. As administrators our teachers trust us to make the right decisions when it comes to managing our school funds.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Glenda V with the fact that teamwork is an essential element in a successful organization. As we collaborate, plan,set goals and develop strategies to help our schools succeed we must find what "works best" for each individual school. It is good practice to take ideas from other schools and organizations and use these ideas to benefit what best fits the needs at your school. Each school and community is unique in its on way. The stakeholders must work together to develop the partnerships that will have a positive impact on the school and it's students.
ReplyDeleteWhen considering Standard 6: Public Funds and Property, we must keep the word "Public" in mind. Many years ago when I interviewed for an adminitrative position in another system, I was asked to explain the difference between public and private funds. As a school administrator there are no such things as private funds. I realize there are many organizations under the umbrella of a school accounting system (clubs, athletics, etc.), but the expenditure of such funds are still under the scrutiny of those that are directly and indirectly affected. School funds or property do not belong to us, we have simply been given the opportunity to manage them. When we accept an administrative position we must be willing to accept all the responsibility that comes with it.
ReplyDeleteOne reoccurring theme in Chapter 6 of The Leader In Me was common language. Studies of communication reveal that approximately 8% of any communication exchange is the actual spoken word. But that small percentage has a major influence on the understanding of the message. If a school had a common vocabulary code for interpersonal interaction then communication would be so much easier. There are many examples in Chapter 6 of the benefits of a common vocabulary in a school environment and how that vocabulary is used to enhance the school atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the numerous comments about proper handling of school funds. We all have to careful how we spend our money, especially in these hard economic times. But I think we have to look beyond how we take care of our money to how well we take care of our facilities and equipment. If those things are not taken care of then what precious dollars we have will be spent repairing those items and not spent on classroom items that will provide the quality education our students need and deserve. It is a balancing act that requires a lot of work, but one that all employees who are custodians of public money needs to do and do well.
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with Brenda, in our current economic situation, we must become even more vigilant stewards of public funds. Parents and taxpayers expect us to take care of their investment in the future of their community. While there are needs that must be met and new purchases must be made, we must take care not to be frivolous with our limited funds.
ReplyDeleteDenise's comments and a few others which followed led me to respond. I think that public servants (government officials), too often, become as Tiger Woods evaluated his mistakes. They come to think they are entitled. They move in rich circles and begin to think they, too, should have what they see wealthier friends enjoying (i.e. politicians in jail or likely on their way). These seem to loose sight of the public servant concept. I have never really felt constrained by monetary issues; I have found ways to resolve those in my classroom. I also attempt to be a good steward. My students roll their eyes when I tell them not to sit "on" my desks and remind them the desks were the original ones in my classroom when it was first built 32 years ago. They laugh at the stand-up screen purchased in the 1960s. As a long-time teacher, I hope that just because something (someone) is old, it (he/she) has not lost its value. Just as because something or someone is young does not mean it (he/she) lacks value.
ReplyDeleteIn the leadership theme model, they used a common language, developed partnerships, utilized teamwork, and took ownership of the initiative. I agree with Glenda and others that teamwork is an essential element in a successful organization. In Blount County I have seen each school take ownership of their initiatives and make it uniquely theirs. I also liked the phrase in Chapter 6 that stated “Do not boil someone else’s water.” When trying to duplicate successes, we should use what works, but change what would work better for our community and stakeholders.
ReplyDeleteThe only worries I have about duplicating a model from another school is a "people" issue. School culture varies so both in the faculty and students that it may take a different approach to reach the same goal. It could be compared to missionary work; often the first thing missionaries do is help establish food and water, shelter and clothing for the people they are trying to reach. Similarly, sometimes we must reach out and work on getting the basics in place and consistently followed before we push onward. To quote Thomas Kempis, “The loftier the building, the deeper must the foundation be laid.” Before we reach for the stars... we have to get our feet on the ground.
ReplyDeleteMonday, March 1, 2010
ReplyDeleteWhen duplicating initatives from others schools it is important to adjust to parameters to meet the "stakeholder needs" at your school.
The quote,"In years to come, your students may forget what you taught them. But they will always remember how you made them feel." is very accurate. I have learned this from personal experience, from my own children, and from students. It is when we can extend the feelings of humility, self-worth, and success beyond our students and school walls that parents & community members will begin to notice that something "extra" is taking place. When this happens students, parents, and community members will feel they have a "stake" in our schools.
Posted by bridgette m. at 9:42 AM
The community's stakeholders bring with them, for the most part, a sense of pride with their school. Other than the few exceptions, they want to see the school succeed in all areas and are willing to do their part to help out. As educators, we could do a better job of utilizing their opinions to better improve our quality of providing the best possible education.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Denise Poland, school social worker, who found that Habit 1; Be Proactive, gives language to help students understand that while they cannot control everything others do, they can in most cases control what they do in response. This is a valuable tool for students who come from rough family backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteI think that in some ways it is easier for those of us in Blount County to be better stewards of the fiscal resources we have than some other systems is because we have always had to operate with thin budgets, especially when compared to some of the wealthier systems. Instead of trying to spend money to solve problems, we have to look at other approaches and we sometimes arrive at innovative and more effective solutions. Our financial limitations tend to focus us on what we can do to improve ourselves instead of just throwing money blindly at a situation to try to improve it. I think it would be neat, however to have the financial resources that other systems have just to see what it would feel like to not have to always ask "What is this going to cost, and how are we going to pay for it."
ReplyDeleteIt is very difficult to make sure everything is managed correctly. I feel like we are constantly having to think more about what something will cost rather than how it will impact our students. I sometimes envy systems who seem to have unlimited resources. I just wish we could all be on more of a common financial play ground to make sure all students have the same opportunities.
ReplyDeleteWith the small amount of money that we receive, especially this year, it is more important than ever to manage the money that we do receive in a way that will have the biggest impact on our students. At the same time, we must remember that it's not money that makes the difference it is the teachers, administrations, and the staff at each of our schools that have the greatest impact on our students.
ReplyDeleteEach school is different, with its own students and unique problems. Copying what another school does is not always the best solution for your school. I do believe that you can take a little of what several schools do and make it work for your school.
ReplyDeleteChapter 6 - With funding being more restricted from local, state and federal resources, it is more important than ever to be very frugal with public funds. It is very calming to work in a district that looks at the picture as a whole, meets with stakeholders to study the situation, and then charts a course for developing budgets for the fiscal year. It is a thorough process that occurs each year in Blount County to ensure we are all good stewards of the funding provided. It is huge responsibility that I feel none of us take lightly.
ReplyDeleteYou may be the best educational mind out there with the best ideas and best intentions for your school. If you mismanage funds, you are toast. Possibly nothing gets an administrator into faster or deeper trouble than money. Know the laws. Keep close tabs on things. Have a good relationship with the bookkeeper.
ReplyDeleteAs far as community involvement goes from chapter 6, I certainly believe this a key component to school success. However, I think schools sometimes use the same two or three willing parents for everything because they see things the way you do. We must make an effort to include as many willing parents as possible, even if they don't always share our views.
Also, I would love to see the 7 Habits implemented more in the high schools. As Lauretta from Decatur noted, it made a big difference in students taking responsibility for their own actions and sent a positive,powerful message to parents.
Having been at a school as a teacher where the principal mismanaged funds, I know what a sense of betrayal everyone feels when this comes to light. No matter what kind of leader you are, if people don't trust you to do the right thing, especially those things that the law outlines so specifically, you can't get anywhere good.
ReplyDelete