Case Study #4: Professional Behavior: Crossing the Line

STEP 1: Introduction/Understanding of the Problem(s): Understanding and/or stating the problem – Describe the situation of the case, including the problem context and problem statement(s) and the exploratory question(s) that the author is investigating in the case.

  • What are the problem(s) in the Alexandra School District, particularly in relationship to how well the district is functioning? ELCC 5.3, 6.1
  • What leadership issues are associated with these problem(s)? ELCC 6.1

STEP 2: Summary of the Case: During this phase, main points and critical issues of the case should be briefly described and summarized; critical details should be synthesized in a way that reflects your individual interpretation.

  • Identify the key variables within the Alexandra and Fairview communities and the Alexandra School District that contribute to the problem(s). ELCC 6.1
  • Identify instances where leadership acted (or could have acted) fairly, ethically, and with integrity. ELCC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
  • Provide supporting details/evidence from the case. ELCC 6.1

STEP 3: Frameworks for Analysis: Focusing on the content of the case to formulate and/or identify possible approaches or frames from which to analyze the case.

  • What theories, research, course readings, and other framing concepts could be utilized in analyzing the problem(s) facing Alexandra School District? ELCC 6.1, 6.2
  • Untangle the components of the case for the reader by applying these theories, research, and other concepts (drawing from class readings and discussions, as well as your knowledge base as an experienced practitioner. ELCC 5.1, 5.2, 6.2
  • Analyze the case from at least 2 perspectives/frames and compare the perspectives.

STEP 4: Goals, Challenges, Potential Outcomes, and Consequences: Reflecting on and projecting goals, /anticipating challenges/projecting potential outcomes, anticipating consequences, and moving toward advocacy or action.

  • Analyze and evaluate how Superintendent Chambers could have developed and implemented a shared vision regarding professional practices (tying professional practices to student learning) for the district. ELCC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
  • Analyze and evaluate how Superintendent Chambers and Personnel Director Jon Robertson could have built collaborative relationships with stakeholders around the development and implementation of professional practices (within a context of student learning). ELCC 1.5, 2.2, 2.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
  • Analyze and evaluate how Superintendent Chambers and Personnel Director Robertson could have shifted the district’s culture around professional practices. ELCC 2.1
  • Analyze and evaluate how Superintendent Chambers and Personnel Director Robertson could have developedthe district’s organizational capacity in regards to professional practices as they were dealing with or as a result of their experience with Teacher/Coach Powers. ELCC 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
  • Analyze and recommend how Superintendent Chambers and Personnel Director Robertson could have acted as stewards in changing the district’s organizational culture as a result of their experience with Teacher/Coach Powers (in the context of student learning). ELCC 1.4, 2.1

STEP 5: Leadership Lessons: Take aways/Leadership lessons

  • What leadership lessons can you take from this case?
  • How can the lessons learned from this case be used to help create and implement a vision tying professional practices to student learning in your own district? ELCC 1.1, 1.3
  • How might this case be used to inform your action plan for promoting community involvement in implementing your district’s vision, particularly regarding professional practices? ELCC 1.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
  • How can the lessons learned from this case be used to promote organizational capacity related to professional practices in your district? ELCC 2.4, 6.1, 6.2
  • How might this case help you identify practices and/or decisions associated with fair, ethical, and high integrity leadership? ELCC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
  • What are your continuing questions?

Writing/Grammar/References using APA style

  • Technical writing and grammar needs to be both accurate and compelling
  • Paper needs to show strong evidence of editing and proofreading
  • Citations within the text need to be consistent, accurate, and consistent with APA
  • References need to be complete, comprehensive, and consistent with APA