Ethical Literacy® Approach—Readiness

While the readiness process can vary from school to school, generally we work with the head of school or school principal to map out this first phase of work. As a starting point, school leadership must endorse and promote the Ethical Literacy initiative. Often, the head of school will attend an Institute event or contract with us to bring Institute professional development activities to the school as a way of becoming familiar with core tools and activities. After this, follow on conversations help leadership thoroughly understand the scope, sequence and customized nature of this work, with particular emphasis on the following:

• Overarching strategic plan and Ethical Literacy “fit” within that plan
• Consequent consideration of other school initiatives that Ethical Literacy might support, or that could hinder or distract from Ethical Literacy
• Institutional history that might support or obstruct the success of Ethical Literacy, and appropriate measures to respond accordingly

Next, we engage in a process for selecting Ethical Literacy team members. Teams can draw from any of the constituencies that influence the school culture, including faculty, support staff, administration or students. Currently our Ethical Literacy community supports a variety of teams from those with only teachers participating, to those with students, leadership, faculty and others. Team members are selected based on the following three criteria at a minimum: 

• Commitment:  Are you confident that the proposed team member is committed to building a school culture of integrity?
• Resources:  Are you confident that the proposed team member has adequate time in their schedule to be an effective asset to the whole team?
• Credibility:  Are you confident that the proposed team member will be earnestly listened to by his/her peers?  Does this team member have a reliable reputation at your school?

Finally, we arrange for the broadest possible canvassing of constituents in the school community to assess their perceptions of the existing needs and opportunities for Ethical Literacy within their school culture. Questions in the School Culture Assessment delve into some best practices from the Schools of Integrity project, to preview the student assessment click here, or to preview the faculty and staff assessment click here.