Syllabus

Master of Science in Education

EDU 705: Leadership, Professional Responsibility and Ethics – Fall B 2015

Credits - 3

Description

This course explores leadership styles with respect to professional responsibilities and ethical decision-making. Students are expected to reflect upon their leadership abilities and those of others. The course involves intensive of use of technology for collaboration and interaction. This course meets standards of the Interstate School Leaders Consortium (ISSLC) 2008.

Materials

Kidder (1995). How Good People Make Tough Choices. ISBN 9780061743993.

Midlock (2011). Case Studies for Educational Leadership. ISBN 9780135094044

All other resources (readings and viewings) in this course are available in each module.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Week 1

Students will:

  • Define one’s self in light of personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles, and reflect on a course of personal action (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Acquire knowledge of ethical decision making strategies and apply them to educational situations through collaborative decision making processes (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c)

Week 2

Students will:

  • To examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • To acquire knowledge of ethical decision making strategies and apply them to educational situations t
  • To explore and put into practice formal and informal professional characteristics and determine responsibilities of key educational roles (ISLLC Standard 3 d);
  • To develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b,   c, d).

Week 3

Students will:

  • Define one’s self in light of personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles, and reflect on a course of personal action (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Explore and put into practice formal and informal professional characteristics and determine responsibilities of key educational roles (ISLLC Standard 3 d);
  • Develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c, d).

Week 4

Students will:

  • Develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c, d).

Week 5

Students will:

  • Define one’s self in light of personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles, and reflect on a course of personal action (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Acquire knowledge of ethical decision making strategies and apply them to educational situations through collaborative decision making processes (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
  • Explore and put into practice formal and informal professional characteristics and determine responsibilities of key educational roles (ISLLC Standard 3 d);
  • Develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c, d).
  • Week 6

    Students will:

    • Define one’s self in light of personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles, and reflect on a course of personal action (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Explore and put into practice formal and informal professional characteristics and determine responsibilities of key educational roles (ISLLC Standard 3 d);

    Week 7

    Students will:

    • Acquire knowledge of ethical decision making strategies and apply them to educational situations through collaborative decision making processes (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Develop a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c, d).

    Week 8

    Students will:

    • Define one’s self in light of personal values, beliefs, ethics, and leadership styles, and reflect on a course of personal action (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Examine the role of values, beliefs, and ethics in the integrity of leading others, applying them to situations faced by superintendents, principals, and educational leaders (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Acquire knowledge of ethical decision making strategies and apply them to educational situations through collaborative decision making processes (ISLLC Standard 5 b, c, d);
    • Explore and apply formal and informal professional characteristics and determine responsibilities of key educational roles (ISLLC Standard 3 d);
    • Design a personal and professional network of colleagues with whom you can discuss future issues and situations through engaging in activities both in and out of the classroom (ISLLC Standard 3 b, c, d).

Assignments

 

Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 Discussion Boards

Week 1  Wiki – Example of Ethical Dilemma – Search the web for an article related to ethical decision making

Week 2 Personality Test – Complete two personality test and discuss the results

Week 3   Case Study #1 – Read and analyze a case study

Week 4   Case Study #2 – Read and analyze a case study

Week 5   Work on Final Group Project (Submitted in Module 7) – Review case studies

Week 6   Work on Final Group Project (Submitted in Module 7) – Design an action plan

Week 7   Final Group Project and Action Plan submitted – Analyze selected case studies and design action plan with group

Week 8   Journal Entry – Reflection

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

ASSIGNMENTPOINTS
Wiki5
Personality Assignment10
Case Study 112
Case Study 214
Final Group Project Case Study & Action Plan25
Journal Reflection Entry10
Discussion Boards (6 X 4 points each)24
TOTAL100

Grade Scale

Grade Points Grade Point Average (GPA)
A 94 – 100% 4.00
A- 90 – 93% 3.75
B+ 87 – 89% 3.50
B 84 – 86% 3.00
B- 80 – 83% 2.75
C+ 77 – 79% 2.50
C 74 – 76% 2.00
C- 70 – 73% 1.75
D 64 – 69% 1.00
F 00 – 63% 0.00

Schedule

 

Week

Topic

Activities & Assignments

Dates

1

Ethical decision-making and four types of ethical dilemmas.

Readings and Viewings:

The Speech Teacher’s Personal Agenda Vs. the Instructional Program Goals (Midlock)

Read Kidder, Chapters 1-4

View: The Ethics Quiz:  The Ethics Guy on WNBC’s “Today in New York” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb8jSR2aMsE

Wiki Assignment: Search Web for examples of Ethical Dilemmas

Threaded Discussion (Whole Group)

Introduction and view Kidder on Moral Courage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb8jSR2aMsE

Due: November 1, 2015 at

11:55 pm. EST

2

Ethical Dilemmas, Identifying and Resolving Them

Readings and Viewings:

Read:  Kidder Chapters 5 to 8

Read: Midlock – Case Studies-Chapter 2-Case Studies 2-6 and 2-7 on pages 18-20. Identify dilemmas.

View: SAIS Rush Kidder: 4 Paradigms of Dilemmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wwQ5uTAJ5g

Group Threaded Discussion: Select real life example and describe dilemma.

Assignment: Personality Test. Take two of the suggested personality test.

Due: November 8, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

3

Ethics and Personality Preference Tests

Readings and Viewings:

Read: Midlock – Chapter 3, 4 or 5 in Case Studies book. Use for written assignment.

Group Threaded Discussion:  Share the Personality Test from Module 3. State name of test and relate how the personality trains have implications for you, your family or your school.

Assignment: Case Study Project #1: Select and read at least one case study from Chapter 3, 4, or 5. Analyze the case. Submit your analysis.

Due: November 15, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

4

Practical Application Of Ethics and Personality Preference Information

Readings and Viewings: No readings

Group Threaded Discussion: No discussion

Assignment: Case Study #2 Writing Assignment. Write a case study of not more than 1200 words about an incident, event or situation that you were involved in or know of in which a school leader faced an ethical dilemma.

Assignment:  Heads Up (not submission) Group project- review the Final Project Assignment overview. This is a group project and is due at the end of Module 7.

Due: November 22, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

5

Ethics and the Principal

Readings and Viewings:

No readings

Viewing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGPBn0AUlPU

Group Threaded Discussion:

Sally Biggs is the Principal of the Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy (HMTCA) as it 2012 Middle School Principal of the Year. In the video interview she discusses a couple of ethical decision-making topics. Select one of the topics that Sally discusses and respond to the following prompts:  What topic did you select? Do you agree or disagree with Sally’s comments? Why or Why not?

Assignment: Work on Final Project (submission in Module 7)

Due: November 29, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

6

Reflection and Synthesis of Ethical Decision Making

Readings and Viewings: Kidder – Read at least one dilemma in Chapter 6 or 7.

Group Threaded Discussion:

Discuss this week’s readings and one or more ethical dilemma. Use the following prompts:

State the ethical case study that you are discussing

Note what ethical issue was part of the study

Share your point of view about this situation

Assignment:  (no submission) Work with your Final Project Team on your final presentation.

Due: December 6, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

7

Final Project Preparation and Teams

Readings and Viewings:

No readings or viewings

Threaded Discussion: None

Assignment: Final Project submission. Work on and complete the Ethics Decision Making Case Study and Action Plan Final Group Project

Due: December 13, 2015 at

11: 55 p.m. EST

8

Final Project Preparation and Comments

Readings and Viewings: None

Whole Group Discussion

Prompt: Prompt:  3-2-1

What three ideas will you remember from your internship course?

Name two ways you will change your professional practice as a result of your experience.

Indicate one way that you feel you connected to the Education mission (reflective practice, competent demonstration, compassionate heart and/or rigorous mind)

Journal Entry

Prompt: During the past few weeks you have gained knowledge about ethical decision-making and reviewed case studies. As your designed your final project, what were some reflections that you would like to share that will benefit you in your future educational leadership role.”

Course Evaluation

Due: December 18, 2015 at

11:55 p.m. EST

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Education page

UNE Libraries:

UNE Student Academic Success Center

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of services to support your academic achievement, including tutoring, writing support, test prep and studying strategies, learning style consultations, and many online resources. To make an appointment for tutoring, writing support, or a learning specialist consultation, go to une.tutortrac.com. To access our online resources, including links, guides, and video tutorials, please visit:

Information Technology Services (ITS)

  • ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Policies

Discussion Board Requirements:

Each Week Students are Expected to:

  • Post a response to a question or problem presented in the threaded discussion prompt. This posting must be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday. Your initial posting must include at least one in-text citation and reference in APA format. During the first week, initial postings must be made by the end of Friday.
  • Make substantive comments on the postings of at least two other students.
  • Be sure to read and understand the definition of “substantive” that follows.

A typical substantive post:

  • Has adequate length to communicate new learning or information to the other learners in your class
  • Goes beyond your personal opinion by providing new or supporting information in references and/or examples.
  • Integrates theory, research, and/or specific examples from professional experience
  • Includes specific examples and/or substantiating evidence

Note: In some cases a posting that asks pertinent, insightful, and/or helpful questions can be substantive even without a reference. These discussions require students to carefully read assigned material and then make connections among key ideas and synthesize their learning through thoughtful written responses.

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the Turnitin Student quick start guide.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Attendance Policy

Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

  1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
  2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
  3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
  4. Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
  5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.