Finding 6 | Schools of Integrity

Report Findings

Finding 1: Pervasive Attention to Ethics and Values
Finding 2: Critical Thinking Skills Driving and Connecting Learning
Finding 3: Relationships Fuel Learning and Ethical Development
Finding 4: Cultures of Trust Encourage Ongoing, Honest Feedback
Finding 5: Trustees As Keepers of the Moral Compass
Finding 6: Tone at the Top—The School Head As Exemplar
Finding 7: Tolerance for Ambiguity: "Doubt" Is Not a Four-Letter Word
Finding 8: Professional Development From the Ranks
Finding 9: Authentic Student Input
Finding 10: Growth, Not Punishment

Note to Readers: This project begins to set the groundwork for cultures of integrity in schools. When replicating these findings it assumes ethical behavior and that readers know right from wrong.

Report Findings

Finding 6: Tone at the Top—The School Head As Exemplar

Much has been made of leadership and its influence on organizational culture, and this message is certainly underscored in the schools we visited. Heads obviously have an enormous opportunity to set the priorities and tone of the school—and a daunting responsibility to do so. The school heads who seem most effective in this regard are the genuine truth-seekers. Those who view deep learning as life's primary enterprise build commitment to ethics and values in everything they do.

To learn more about this finding, download the full Schools of Integrity report.