Integrity Survey-Donald E.

Dodson

Participants
Six members of the faculty and four members of the support staff participated in the Integrity and Fairness Survey. The questions were broken into subgroups as follows: Interactions with faculty and staff, interactions with students, parents, and the community members, communication, general characteristics, and open response. Participants were asked to be as honest and forthcoming as possible with their answers.

Data Tabulation and Summary

Interactions with Faculty and Staff As an intern Donald
1. Is fair and consistent with his or her interactions with all teachers and staff. 2. Treats all teachers and staff as professionals 3. Facilitates and offers assistance to others to enhance their knowledge and skills 4. Develops trust and confidence in teachers and staff 5. Shows respect for peers 6. Demonstrates high expectations and standards 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Strong Agree Agree Disagree Strong Disagree Fair and Consistant Treatment Assistance Trust and Confidence Respect High Expectations

Summary The illustration suggests that I am very effective at working my fellow educators to increase student achievement and improve the learning environment. The data also indicates I need to express my high expectations of students in a more demonstrative manner. I am pleased that my fellow faculty members notice my professionalism and willingness to collaborate to improve achievement and faculty morale.

Interactions with Students, Parents, and Community Members As an intern Donald

7. Is fair and consistent with his/her interactions with all students 8. Shows respect for students 9. Keeps students in mind as a priority 10. Is open to suggestions from everyone 11. Does not allow political pressure to negatively influence decisions 12. Is fair and consistent in his/her interactions with all parents and community members 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Strong Agree Agree Disagree Strong Disagree Fair and Consistant Respect Students Priority Open to Suggestions Political Pressure Fair and Consistent

Summary The data suggests that my interactions with students, parents, and the community are very positive. The data also indicates that I am approachable and open to different ideas while still keeping the welfare of the student at the forefront of any decision. Political pressure will be a continual issue for the duration of my career. I am still learning to understand the political process and not allow myself to get caught up in small town drama. I will stay very involved and informed in the state political picture pertaining to education but refrain from allowing meaningless petty disagreements to affect my decision making process.

Communication As an intern Donald

13. Listens to others before speaking 14. Models and displays the characteristics you want to see in others 15. Does not talk about others or share gossip or use other people's name in discussions 16. Effectively communicates personal values and beliefs 17. Effectively communicates values and beliefs of our school 10 8 6 4 2 0 Strong Agree Agree Disagree Strong Disagree Listens Before Speaking Models and Displays Gossip Personal Values and Beliefs School Values and Beliefs

Summary My fellow educators suggest that I need to be more open about my own values and beliefs. I agree with this statement because I normally refrain from vocalizing my own opinion. This represents a positive and negative characteristic. School leaders must demonstrate confidence and knowledge pertaining to education but also create an atmosphere of collaboration and collective ownership. I am very pleased that my coworkers do not identify me as a member of the rumor mill and they believe I model the values and beliefs of our school.

General Characteristics As an intern Donald

18. Displays Confidence 19. Is Open Minded 20. Is honest 21. Is knowledgeable 22. Is trustworthy and reliable 23. Exhibits Professional behavior 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Strong Agree Agree Disagree Strong Disagree Confidence Open Minded Honest Knowledgeable Trustworthy and Reliable Professional Behavior

Summary The data indicates that my fellow faculty members believe I am a trustworthy and honest individual. My behavior is perceived as professional and I am considered knowledgeable about the educational process. These characteristics are very important in building positive relationships with members of the school community. I attempt to display confidence in my actions but not in a way that would be perceived as egotistical or boastful. Free Response
24. Please describe one situation/event in which I demonstrated integrity (respect for the rights of others in confidentiality and dignity, and engaging in honest interactions.) 25. Please describe one situation/event in which I demonstrated fairness (ability to combine impartiality, sensitivity to student diversity and ethical considerations in interactions with others) during my internship. 26. Please share one component of leadership that you believe I should improve/change.

The responses to this category were overwhelmingly positive and I was humbled by the opinions provided by my colleagues. One staff member witnessed my interaction with a student during an Attendance Hearing and noted my genuine concern over the student's father being deployed

overseas. My colleague was impressed that I could show such natural emotion considering this was my first interaction with the student. I remember this incident but did not realize it had such a lasting effect on my colleague. The majority of the survey participates identified my affiliation with discipline referrals and the handling of minor issues such as classroom disruptions or defiance as a representation of my treatment of others with fairness and equality. One colleague expressed, "Mr. Dodson assists with discipline issues where he shows fairness and sensitivity when conducting his interviews and handing down punishment." This is precisely the perception that I attempt to perpetuate when dealing all members of the school community. A component of leadership that most participants identified as in need of improvement is in the area of communication with fellow faculty members. It is explained by several participants that I "may need to be more outgoing and gregarious with staff to encourage their openness." I do feel that sometimes my obsession with professionalism overshadows my natural personality. Many expressed a general confidence in my ability and belief that I will make a splendid school leader but explain that I do not express my true feelings and opinions. This is a conundrum considering my natural personality is not to overstate my opinions or attempt to force my beliefs on others. I understand, however, that as a leader my faculty and staff must be aware of my expectations and opinions. This is definitely an area that I will need to improve upon in order to become an affective school leader in the future.

Reflections
I feel that the survey was very rewarding and a rejuvenation of sorts that my actions during my internship have not gone unnoticed. I have attempted to approach each interaction with students, faculty, and the community as a learning experience for my future endeavors as an administrator. My administrative advisor has provided invaluable guidance on professional behavior and how to protrude this characteristic in my daily contact with fellow educators and community members. I pride myself on remaining calm and collect during extreme situations while also respecting the due process associated with behavioral issues or teacher misconduct. I feel that a solid factual base must be established before any conclusions or assumptions can be made pertaining to innocence or guilt. This exemplifies my commitment to fairness when dealing with all situations whether large or small. Survey participates suggest my beliefs and actions have created a strong educational foundation that in the future will allow me to build a successful school where students, faculty, and community members feel valued and respected.