Roman Catholic Info

st. trinians soundtrack

the jesus i never knew yancey

Christian reads, any suggestions?

Do you have any recommendations for Christian books? I enjoyed "Mere Christianity" and "The Great Divorce" by C.S. Lewis, and I will certainly look into his other works. I am currently reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Philip Yancey. Do you have any suggestions for other authors/books? I'm 15, and I am able to understand nearly all of what I have read so far, but please no books on profound theology or in-depth philosophy that I'm not going to be able to comprehend.

Also, any suggestions of books about the Reformation or Martin Luther?

Thanks!

Kiara, try The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (they also have it in a student edition). Here's a link, God Bless.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/104-0192997-6735925?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+case+for+christ+strobel

christ has come

Experiencing the Second Coming of Christ

For most of my life I was waiting for the rapture. You know, that time when some people would be driving their cars and bang! They would be "raptured" and the cars would go careening into a field, another car, or something. Can you imagine such catastrophies? Maybe that's what 2012 is all about. Planes falling from the skies and mass hysteria everywhere you turn. 

I was taught such and I believed it. I even thought the second coming was going to be in 1984. Yep, 1984, not the more popular 1988 theory.

My life has changed greatly over the years and many of my religious dogmas have faded into the sunset while my spiritual intimacy with the Creator and Jesus has greatly increased once I came to the understanding, among other things, that Jesus was NOT coming back! The MAN Jesus came, died, and was resurrected. He became the CHRIST and in fulfilling the destiny, the mystery of God and He HAS COME (is now) in ME, YOU, US!

Are you EXPERIENCING that second coming of the Christos?

The second coming is not in a MAN (Jesus) returning from the East and touching down on some physical location. He's much, much too big for that. We've missed so much of who Jesus is because we've seen Him as a person or a teaching. THINKING rapture, second coming, Jesus, etc. simply won't cut it. We are one with God and his Spirit lives in us NOW. Experience Him, live Him, BE Him.

He HAS COME!

About the Author

As a spiritual-futurist, I interpret current events in light of possible macro-universal forces at play leading up to 2012, but not limited to it.

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Dish Network offers a wide variety of holiday programming

Having grown up in New England, my favorite time of year is undoubtedly the fall. Unless you live in the area, it’s a feeling that is hard to explain. There’s something in the air – a crispness, almost – that signals something is coming. The treetops become an amazing palate of oranges, reds and yellows, and the smell of burning fireplaces rides the breeze. And another good thing that comes with the fall – Halloween.

As a kid of course I looked forward to trick or treating and gathering as much candy as I possibly could, but when I grew out of that stage I didn’t appreciate Halloween again until I was old enough to start throwing parties. Suddenly, dressing up in costumes was fun again (albeit the alcohol is a factor in that enjoyment.) Honestly, I can’t imagine living anywhere else during this time of year. Being a fan of horror movies and all the things that go bump, this is the time of year when I can really appreciate all there is to offer. American Movie Classics usually runs a block of programming called “Fearfest” (formerly “Monster Fest”) where they show marathons of horror movies, including the Friday the 13th saga, some movies from the Halloween series, and other gems from the 80’s. There’s something silly and addicting about these movies when they come on TV.

As terrible as most of them are, I just can’t help but watch. Back when this was called “Monster Fest”, they used to skew towards the older movies; now they tend to show a lot of crappy B-movies from the last few years. Still, there’s something comforting about coming home and flipping on AMC and wondering what they’ll show next. For those of you still young at heart (like me) ABC Family shows the “13 Days of Halloween”, almost a full two weeks of Halloween programming geared towards kids and families. They have been running this marathon for over 10 years now and I’m sure this year will be no exception. They usually show such family favorites as Hocus Pocus, Casper, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Poltergeist, and The Haunted Mansion, plus the fan-favorite haunted house exploration series “Scariest Places on Earth.”

These are great to watch with your kids (though they do sometimes show movies such as The Sixth Sense that might be a little too spooky for the little ones.) Sometimes I’ll put on ABC Family in the background just for the sheer atmosphere that all these Halloween movies bring. Now, I don’t get scared of horror movies like I used to when I was a kid, but I do enjoy the nostalgia. And as sad as I am to see summer go (seriously, it feels like it just started), I am definitely looking forward to the change in the weather and the foliage. I hope to also make a trip to Salem, MA this year. Nothing else sums up fall in New England quite like Salem at Halloween time.

ABC Family is also responsible for another holiday marathon – “25 Days of Christmas.” Now I’ll admit, I am not a fan of the snow and ice, but I do love the weeks in December leading up to my favorite holiday. Yes it does seem to be a lot of buildup for ONE day, but the buildup is the fun part. Shopping for gifts, holiday music on the radio – all of these things that remind us that it’s a special time of the year that only comes around once. And despite the commercialism and occasional stress, Christmas is the one holiday that really makes me reflect on simpler times, when I could believe in things that weren’t humanly possible. As someone who wanted to hold on to my childhood for as long as possible, it always makes me a little warm and fuzzy inside to see all the Christmas specials on TV, especially the ones that I used to watch when I was a kid (namely “Garfield's Christmas Special” and “Mickey's Christmas Carol”, two of my favorites).

They start the programming on the first week of December and continue up through Christmas Day. The last few years they have started showing programming that is arguably NOT Christmas themed (for example Harry Potter, Cars, The Incredibles, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) when they should really be focusing on the Christmas specials that we haven’t seen since our childhood. I understand Harry Potter is popular, but they can show that any time of the year. Christmas comes only once! And just a note – I don’t know why I watch the Jim Carrey version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas every time it’s on. What is wrong with me? ‘Tis the season, I suppose. Now about that redhead stepchild called Easter….ehhh, never mind. It’s not even worth it. ABC Family can be found on channel 180 on Dish Network. AMC is channel 130. Some other channels of note for both Halloween and Christmas programming would be SyFy (channel 122), the Hallmark Channel (channel 185), and the Disney Channel (channel 172).

By: Frank Bilotta

About the Author

Now about that redhead stepchild called Easter….ehhh, never mind. It’s not even worth it. ABC Family can be found on channel 180 on Dish Network.

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easter shower curtain

Sprucing Up A Bathroom With A Bathroom Accessory

As evidenced by the continual parade of home makeover shows, the public has a ravenous appetite for redecorating. From our kitchens to our bedrooms and everything in between; not much is off limit from renovation. But luckily, changing the face of a room doesn't have to break the bank; especially when it comes to a bathroom. For literally pennies, the purchase of a bathroom accessory can bring new life to your bathroom.

There are many ways in which to utilize a bathroom accessory. For some, luxurious hand towels that coordinate with the overall colors of the bathroom can pull the room together. For others, the use of complementary artwork can give a bathroom a sense of cohesiveness. But no matter what your taste - or budget - a carefully selected bathroom accessory can have a significant effect in a room that's often on the small side.

Often, when you're dealing with a smaller space, big change can be a relative term. In a bathroom, the addition of a beautifully constructed soap dish that adds color and whimsy can affect enormous change in the room. So when it comes to choosing a bathroom accessory, look for items that will carry the largest visual impact.

A bathroom accessory can fit into a number of different categories. There are those accessories that are chosen to fit into an overall theme; many homeowners will often use a theme in a child's bathroom - such as princesses, fish, sports, and fairies. There are, of course, also themes that lend themselves to an adult bathroom - such as garden, floral, and country. In these cases, you will often find retailers that offer a line of themed accessories - including shower curtain, rug, towels, soap holder, toothbrush holder, cups, tissue holders, and much more.

There are more overall looks for a bathroom than any one person could possibly dream. If there's a particular premise that sparks your interest, chances are that you will find a bathroom accessory to complement it. In some cases, people choose to use a bathroom accessory to denote a particular holiday. Christmas towels may hang on the towel rod during the holiday season; decorative pastel soaps may sit in the soap dish during Easter; red towels, red rug, and festive hearts may decorate a bathroom for Valentine's Day; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

Others may use a bathroom accessory of one kind or another to create a "feel" within a space. For many tub enthusiasts, the bathroom is a place of refuge and calm; a place where they can soak their day away and relax in a soothing environment. In this case, many choose to create a spa-like environment in their bathroom - using such accessories as candles, soft fluffy towels, and beautifully scented soaps, bath oils, and lotions - for pampering at a moment's notice.

Ultimately, your bathroom is only what you make of it. It can be a utilitarian space that meets your basic needs. Or - with the addition of thought, attention to detail, and a well chosen bathroom accessory - it can be a private space reflective of your personal style.

About the Author

For more information on bathrooms, try visiting http://www.bathroomdetails.com - a website that specializes in providing bathroom related tips, advice and resources including information on bathroom accessory.

the jesus i never knew leaders guide

Do you really want to know Me?

Do you really want to know Me?  I ask you again do you really want to know Me?

Many sing praises to Me, they bounce off your lips but like balloons of fresh air they burst as your hearts are far from Me.

Your treasure is of this world, you fear man and his approval of you rather than fearing Me, the One and Only True God.

Many feel neglected and abandoned but I say to you, you have neglected and abandoned Me.  Your hearts are far away from Me yet I give you life.  I fill your bellies with food to eat in abundance.  I place you in families and give you friends.  I give and give yet you do not turn to Me and even thank me for them.  You turn to man and your friends who are now an idols.  Your fear of their appraisal of you now dominates any fear of the Lord.

Circumcise your hearts before Me, you are unclean.  I am a Holy God.  I require truth in the inner most parts of your heart.  Circumcise your hearts you double-minded men.

I tell you the truth, only those who endure until the end will be saved.  Your fellowman cannot save you.  They are as grass, they flourish for but a short time and then they are gone.  They will not remember you; they give you not a second thought for their thoughts are upon the idols of men too.

The gods and idols of today is self, idolatry of man, looking always for attention and appraisal.  Who is man that you are mindful of him?

They cannot sanctify you.  Most of them do not even know Me, they are unclean.  You are looking to filthy rags to bring your own sanctification.  Truly I say they are your enemy and you do not even realise this!  They are wolves who have come to kill and destroy.  These men will strike my prophets and true shepherds from the Fathers heart and will kill my sheep and little lambs, babes who have a true desire to follow My Will.  Yes wolves abound to tear from the Fathers heart my sheep and little lambs.  Man does not care for you and will walk the other way, his heart rotten to the core will disguise through flattering words to deceive you.

STOP looking to the outside of man.  Even Samuel my anointed prophet for a second was foiled by outside appearances whilst I chose a man after My own heart; David.

I, the LORD look deep into the hearts of men.  I know those who truly want to walk hand in hand with Me daily.  They take up their cross daily for My sake.  They are burdened with the heart of the Father and His Will, which is for lost souls and the true preaching the true gospel.  For I tell you the truth this true Gospel from the beginning has been tampered with and has become a household joke amongst the nations.  My name is mocked.  But I tell you the truth God cannot be mocked.  Many say they believe but they do not even know Me, they do not even call out to Me!

My true disciples commune with Me daily and regularly and talk with Me, for I am their friend, yes my true disciples are my true friends.  I call them friends now.  My True Family are those that do the Will of God.  They hear the Good Shepherd, they know My voice.  They know Me.  I love them, I warn them, and I guide them.  I place My Comforter the Holy Spirit to guide them into all Truth.  The fruit they bear for Me is with much suffering and repentence.  They are worthy; they speak the truth from their hearts both towards Me, Jesus and to others.  I am with them.

Many have entertained the enemy for too long now.  I am to uproot all that is not of Me!  Many man-made churches are planted on sand, man-made agendas.  These are ALL to be pulled up now from the roots and thrown away and cast into fires.

Many afflictions of tumours are to break out on many who have been disobedient and have followed their own desires, followed man and his appraisal and other gods.  Many will be angry with this but My Word is clear on this.  Those who are disobedient will feel my full wrath and afflictions will be many.  Many follow avidly all mans words as though they speak the truth.  How can they speak the Truth is they do not know Me?  I ask you again how can they speak the Truth if they know not Me?

Turn to Me now whilst there is still time and repent of your idolatry and rebellion which is as witchcraft.  Bring all your envy of man, your hatred of their success and your bitterness of inadequacies.  For you have followed these things which are not of Me.

You pray with your own agenda and not according to My Will.  You pray for men who are My enemies and you place them above you to be adored.  I tell you the Truth; I am to uproot them all.

In a ferocious whirlpool of winds from all corners of this earth, I, the LORD, am to uproot them and they will be no more.  Their words are lies and as nothing.  They will be remembered no more.

These men cannot save you!  Oh foolish foolish people, nations, kingdoms of the earth I, the LORD, sit upon the Throne in Heaven and see everything.  I know all fanciful thoughts of prosperity and wealth to gain acceptance upon this earth.  This is satan’s domain not mine.  Find treasures above in heaven!  I laugh at you; yes your time is coming to an end.  You have preached your own gospel long enough.  Now is the appointed time for My Sword, My Truth, My Gospel, and the one True Gospel of repentence.  I, the LORD do not change!  Turn from your sins you wicked nation, Turn to God there is no other gods beside Me.

Yes, I tell you many will be afflicted with tumours and within their families.  This is My warning.  Yes, I the LORD speak out these afflictions.  Yes, I, the LORD am also to inflict many many plagues.  New plagues never even thought of by man.  You think the plagues of Egypt were bad, Oh unholy nations, unholy people your time has come to depart from this earth.  I have given you time to repent, but you have not.

Your stubbornness is as idolatry to Me,

Your rebellion is as witchcraft, truly, I say you will be assigned with the murders, idolaters and all manner of evils upon this earth, for their stench has reached My nostrils.

You have turned My Cross, where I shed My precious blood for your sins to make you clean and clear of all guilt once and for all and turned it upside down.  I am the only sacrifice left.  There is no other.  This is the time of Grace and Truth and you have turned it into a lie and trampled upon it with your muddy feet.

Your altars in Babylon are to fall from a great height.  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.  I am to end it.

You call yourself My people.  I tell you, I do not know you.  Depart from Me, you wicked nation I never knew you.

There are few, very few who have not bowed the knee to man to Baal, to false prophets and teachers.  I have hidden them and they wait for Me in faith, holding on to My words not mans.  Daily,  yes they wait upon Me.  Daily they take up their cross, My burdens for My Kingdom for there are many to come into the sheepfold the Kingdom of God.  Yes My kingdom is from above not below.  I, Jesus came from above not below.

Man is as dust.  Even the woman caught in adultery recognised who I was and acknowledged me as Lord.  I allowed her to see who I was against those religious leaders who pronounced her guilty.  I desire mercy not sacrifice!  I revealed the Father from heaven and chose her from the beginning of time to show the guilt of your judgement against her.  I bring mercy and forgiveness.

For a long time I have been inviting you to My Supper but you have whored yourself with the world.  You put your lamp with no oil under anything, hidden in the ground and you become as the nations around you.  You want this; you cannot be separate unto Me.  You do not want it.  You want the accolade!  This is why sin has abounded.

Where am I?  Do you really want to know Me?  Truly, I know those who have been called by My Father, He has given them to Me.

Yes, My hem is torn.  Your kingdom does not belong to Gods Kingdom.  You prefer the nations around you and the idolatry of man.  As Samuel turned his back on Saul as a sign that Saul was no longer in Gods favour so I too am to do the same and I am judging the House of God now, yes now as I, the LORD speak.

I am departing from your earthly kingdom forged upon lies and idolatry.  Yes, I will grieve silently as Samuel did but turn My back on you I will.

I am to choose another nation now, not known to you, a nation who does not think of itself as of any reputation.  This nation will be chosen for I have chosen it to be filled with My Most Holy Spirit and be obedient to My every Word.  They will lift the name of Jesus high and I will draw all men to myself.  For it is I, Jesus that saves, no man can do this work of the heart.  My gospel of true repentence, I am the True Testimony.  jesus christ will be preached to the four corners of the world.

Your evil and wickedness has prevented many from entering into the Kingdom of God and you will bear the consequences of your actions.  You have neglected Me and have not even obeyed My First Commandment.  No I am to abandon you.

Truly I say men’s words will become as nothing but dust.  But My Word, which cannot be bound, will live forever.

I, the LORD have spoken and what I say will come to pass.

 

 

Shofar girl

Humble servant of Jesus

About the Author

The Lord gave me this message:
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down,destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.”

christmas carol full trailer

jesus christ superstar original cast recording

Why does Ted Neeley suck in jesus christ Superstar?

JCS was on TV so we put it on. I was excited to see it, but then I got sad because Ted Neeley cannot compare in any way to Ian Gillan from Deep Purple who does the role in the original record.

The original cast recording with Gillan will always be one of my favorite albums of all time and Ted Neeley sadly does not do the role justice, his voice is just too weak to pull off the magic..

that's one of my favorite movies. i don't know anything about ian doing anything with jesus christ superstar. i only know the 1973 universal pictures version directed by norman jewison. i guess maybe you're talking about the rock opera that ian gillan was in, never saw it or heard it so i can't compare. i really like the movie though.

jesus on leadership becoming a servant leader

Ethical Conduct: the Importance of High Moral Standards

 

 

                        Ethical Conduct: The Importance of High Moral Standards

_____________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT

Ethical conduct should inspire a quality of behavior that exemplifies honor and dignity for oneself.  In a school district, teachers, administrators, staff, and school board members should understand the importance of ethical conduct in the educational arena.  An effective educational organization entails the need of individuals maintaining integrity and high morals.  The Ways of Knowing Through the Realms of Meaning (2007) by William Allan Kritsonis, PhD provides insight in improving ethical conduct in the educational environment.

______________________________________________________________________________

Introduction

     Employees of a school district should serve with honor.  Individuals should strive to help students reach their potential to be socially and responsible citizens.  School district employees should understand the importance of upholding ethical values.  The following statement by Harry Wong emphasize the significance of educators valued principles:  “Teachers are not in private practice.  We are in the helping and caring profession, a service profession to help people enhance the quality of their lives.”  The supportiveness, safety, and security of all areas are crucial in the learning environment.

 

Purpose of the Article

     The purpose of this article is to discuss ten recommendations that are important in the improvement of ethical conduct.  The Ways of Knowing Through the Realms of Meaning (2007) provides insight in improving ethical conduct in the educational environment.  Dr. William Allan Kristonis is a noted author, professor, lecturer, consultant, editor-in-chief, and publisher.  Using his expertise, he has detailed concepts in the realms of ethics.  The focus of this essay is regarding the improvement of ethical conduct for school administrators.  The administrator is responsible for providing leadership to the school community.  The recommendations that are given will enhance the character development of principals and leaders as they model behavior for the students and staff.

 

Ethical Theory

 

     The development of ethical theory dates back to Plato and Aristotle.  The word ethic has its roots in the Greek word ethos.  Ethos is the perceived degree of character or credibility that a person believes exists in another person or object (Haskins, 2000).  The amount of trust and belief one has in another will have an important impact in how persuasive one will be. 

     According to Kritsonis (2007), the value of ethical theory is in guiding teaching and learning.  In the ethical realm, emphasis should be on ethical understanding and how it may be improved.  A person who has knowledge of ethical theory is as moral as a person who lacks such knowledge.  Moral conduct pertains to one’s actions in certain situations.  To solve a problem, one should be clear of the choices for the given situation.  Kritsonis (2007) precisely states, “Before a person can know where to go, he needs to understand where he is starting from.” There must be a mission in order to fulfill a vision.  Moral decisions require a set of values to serve as a form of reference inn evaluating the consequences.

     The values and morals an individual finds appropriate are called ethics.  Ethical theory supplies rules.  These rules are guidelines used in making decisions about a particular situation.  Ethics in leadership deal with what leaders do and who they are.  How leaders respond to a given situation and the choices they make are led by ethics.  The concerns of ethical leaders are issues of justice and fairness.  One cannot be a leader without involving values.  One must be sensitive to the needs of others, care for others, and treat them in ways that are just in order to be an ethical leader.

Character Development

 

     Character education programs teach students how to be good citizens and develop aspects of decision making.  Effective character education programs affect the student’s ability to be socially and personally responsible.  Holloway (2006) identifies the fact that character education promotes core ethical values, creates a caring school community, and engages the staff as a learning community that instills morals. 

     In order for a school community to work well, the members must be aware of expectations.  The principal is significant in building trust among the community.  Principals lay the foundation for respect and personal regard.  The actions of the administrator contribute to a positive learning environment in the school.  There must be equal treatment among the different student groups.  There should be a common link for success among all groups.

     Principals must understand the importance of creating an effective learning community.  There must be an open line of communication between the principal and stakeholders.  Administrators must be available to students, teachers, and staff members throughout the day.  They must also attend school and community events.  The use of surveys is important in the correspondence to stakeholders.  Kritsonis (2007) states that in all realms, the ability to communicate intelligibly and forcefully can be coordinated with other aspects into an integrated vision and commitment.  The display of a principal’s character can inspire character development in faculty and students.

 

Integrity

 

     Integrity means that the behaviors of leaders are consistent with their stated values and that they are honest, ethical, responsible and trustworthy (Hoy and Miskel, 2005).  Integrity is to say what one means.  One must deliver what is promised, and stand for what is right.  To be ethical means to be fair.  Leaders should treat stakeholders fairly, equitably, and with dignity.  Administrators an inspire integrity by recognizing positive behaviors in teachers and students.  A principal must concur to be liable to a high standard of ethical behavior.  Leaders should lead by being an example. 

     The language of morals should be ordinary language (Kritsonis, 2007).  No special concepts are needed in expressing intended meanings.  When one states, “This action is right,” he is not meaning that it is enjoyable.  There are some leaders whom have inspired us by their sense of integrity and moral values such as Jesus, Isaiah, Confucius, and Moses.  National heroes were exemplified moral courage were Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and Joan of Arc.  Moral philosophers that contributed to moral leadership were Socrates, St. Augustine, Immanuel Kant, and John Dewey.

             In the educational field, there have been investigations reporting negative academic integrity and faculty wrongdoing.  Faculty and student misconduct has been widespread.  There has been wrongdoing ranging from plagiarism to falsification of data.  There have also been violations of teaching norms to sexual or other harassment.  Some campuses have been investigated for breaches of regulations.  Academic integrity cannot be coerced, neither can it be taught.  For an organization to function using high moral standards there must be a leader that inspires a sense of integrity.

     Displaying a high level of integrity can also relay the message that the leader is fair and just.  The leaders treat all individuals in an equal manner.  In some cases individuals might be treated differently due to specific circumstances.  Leaders must be fair when dealing with awards and punishments. 

 

Responsibility

        The realms of esthetics are concerned with active personal commitment (Kritsonis, 2007).  Morally, one is obliged to do right, and if one fails, he feels guilty. An effective leader should be responsible.  Responsibility entails dependability, initiative, persistence, aggressiveness, self-confidence, and the desire to excel.  One must be liable for one’s own actions.  Individuals must report concerns and rule violations.

     Leaders in education have an ethical responsibility.  They must have a moral vision of what is expected of them.  Starratt (2005) identifies five domains of responsibility that are central to educational leadership.  They are as follows:

 

·        Responsibility as a human being

·        Responsibility as a citizen and public servant

·        Responsibility as an educator

·        Responsibility as an educational administrator

·        Responsibility as an educational leader

·        Responsibility as a human being

 

Trust

 

     Trust is building confidence through teamwork and open communication.  In an effective school environment there is a culture of trust.  There is mutual trust between the principal and staff, there is mutual trust between the colleagues, and there is faculty commitment to the school.

Hoy and Miskel (2005) states, “Trust is like air; no one thinks much about it until it is needed and it is not there.”  It is important to have trust in schools.  It facilitates cooperation ad promotes cohesiveness.  Trust has also been shown to improve student achievement. 

     Leaders should build a sense of trust within the environment.  Their trust is built by behavior that is considerate, supportive, and collegial.  When there is a high level of trust toward the principal, it is believed that the principal is benevolent, reliable, knowledgeable, honest, and open with the staff.  Trust can be a powerful aspect of successful leadership.

     Haskins (2000) suggests the following for improving trust through communication:

 

·        Adapt messages to listeners by being sincere and honest in presenting the information.

·        Identify strengths and weaknesses in information to demonstrate the speaker’s honesty in presenting messages.

·        Introduce sources that were used in developing the presentation.

·        Explain the soundness of analysis, arguments, and evidence that can help reinforce trust.

·        Earn trust by showing trust towards others in the educational process.  

 

     Confidentiality falls in the category of trust.  Leaders should stress the importance of confidentiality of student information.  The school must maintain accurate and comprehensive student records.  Records cannot be released without the consent of parents or guardians.  Staff members are forbidden to discuss a student’s private information.  Leaders should not only value the confidentiality of students but the importance of confidentiality of staff members as well.

     Kritsonis (2007) believes that there are certain principles, such as the duty to keep promises and to tell the truth.  Obvious differences in principle may really be the difference in application due to different circumstances.  Leaders must prove to be trustworthy to achieve a cohesive working environment. 

 

Honesty

     In the empirical realm, meanings are factual (Kritsonis, 2007).  There is a distinction between empirical meaning and ethical meanings.  If one was more clearly understood, then there would be less confusion about ethical questions.  Ethical statements are neither true nor false, but they are expressions of personal preferences.  Ethical language is used to alter feelings and behaviors.

     In the education arena, one should be truthful and honest with one another.  This includes teachers, administrators, parents, and community members.  To be a good leader, one must be honest.  When one thinks of dishonesty, one sees the significance of being honest.  Dishonesty is lying, being deceitful, and not trusted by ones peers.  When a leader is not trusted, there is no respect.  Dishonesty weakens relationships, and there is also a negative impact on the organization.  Being honest not only means being truthful, but it also means being open.  

 

Respect

     Respect means a leader listens, is empathic, and has concern for employees.  Respect from a leader show employees that they are treated as worthy individuals.  One feels respected when there beliefs, attitudes, and values are acknowledged.  The relation of one person to another is the awareness of a presence, the I-Thou meeting (Kritsonis, 2007).  Personal relationships are achieved in what presently is.  Obligation pertains to the result of what is on the basis of an ideal.

     We have a duty to treat others with respect.  Leaders who respect others are usually respected in return.  Respect is important and it should be valued.  Seldom does one think about what it means to respect an individual or what it means to be respected.  To respect someone means looking at the individual in a distinguished manner.  Self-respect leads to respecting others.  If one does not respect himself or herself, then one is likely not to respect other individuals.  Typically if there is no respect for an individual, then their views and opinions are disregarded. 

Respect cannot be learned, purchased, or acquired.  It can only be earned. 

 

 

Knowledge of Sexual Harassment

 

     Sex and family relations is an area of primary ethical interest.  Kritsonis (2007) believes that the family is the elemental social institution in which persons are born and nurtured, and it is essential that the relation between the sexes and among the members of the family be considered carefully and ordered wisely.  It is necessary to have moral codes dealing with this issue.  Leaders should not only know the policies for their particular district, but they should be strictly enforced.  The following are examples regarding sexual harassment policies in an educational organization.  

 

Sexual Harassment and Abuse

·        Students and employees should be treated honorably.

·        Sexual advances, remarks, or conduct at not permissible.

·        Employees who sexually abuse or harass students or employees will face disciplinary action.

·        Students who sexually abuse or harass employees will face disciplinary action.

 

Sexual Harassment by Employees

·        Employees who engage in any sexually oriented conversation, activities, or other sexual conduct with students or employees is considered to be committing sexual harassment of the student or employee.

·        Employees are prohibited from dating students.

 

Sexual Harassment by Students

·        Student should not engage in conduct that sexually harasses employees or other students.

·        Romantic relationships between student and employees with parental consent are discouraged.

 

 

 

Sexual Abuse of Students

·        Sexual abuse includes fondling, sexual assault, and sexual intercourse.

·        Sexual abuse by employees will result in termination and legal action.

 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness

     Leaders are not the principle source of moral guidance.  According to Kritsonis (2007), the most significant source of such influences are the laws and customs of society.  There are some standards of conduct that are taken for granted.  It is not always right to be obedient to laws or customs.  Social standards that are accepted are meant to provide guidance for conduct.

     School activities should promote healthy ideals for the students.  Employees should serve as role models for their colleagues and the students.  Drug and alcohol abusers are frequently absent, less productive, and can cause possible harm to themselves or others.  Substance abusers have a negative influence on others.

Social Relationships

 

     Kritsonis (2007) believes that every culture has its distinctive expectations and regulations about what is right and wrong in these relationships.  Matters in relationships within class, ethnic, racial, religious, and vocational groups should be valued by leaders.  Leaders should

focus on the improvement of religious concerns as well as race related issues in public school. Displaying knowledge and sensitivity to these issues will impact individuals in the educational organization.

     Principals should know the state laws regarding prayer and other religious activities in public schools.  If the laws are not implemented, there could possibly be lawsuits that would affect the school district.  Leaders should acknowledge and respect the religious beliefs of others in planning school activities.  Students and staff should not feel pressured in taking part in holiday events or programs that are not a part of their religious beliefs. 

      Leaders should also acknowledge race related issues as they arise.  Culture diversity training should be planned for staff members each year.  It is important for everyone in the organization to have knowledge of the diverse ethnic population that is a part of their environment.  Race, ethnicity, and cultural background have played a role in ethical theory. 

     Ethical leaders take into consideration the purpose of individuals involved.  There should be a common goal for the organization.  Leaders should focus on their specific individual goals as well as the goals for the organization. 

 

 

Concluding Remarks

 

     In conclusion, in a school district, teachers, administrators, staff, and school board members should understand the importance of ethical conduct in the educational arena.  An effective educational environment entails the need of individuals maintaining integrity and high morals.  Employees of a school district should serve with honor.  Individuals should strive to help students reach their potential to be socially and responsible citizens.  School district employees should understand the importance of upholding ethical values.  The supportiveness, safety, and security of all environments are crucial in the learning environment.  Leaders are the key players in improving ethical conduct in the educational organization.    Using the ten recommendations that were given in the essay:   knowledge of ethical theory, character development, integrity, responsibility, trust, honesty, respect, knowledge of sexual harassment, drug and alcohol abuse awareness, and social relationships will not only strengthen the leader, but it will create an effective learning environment.  

    

References

Estrada, A. (2006).  The crossroads:  confronting ethical dilemmas within the school setting.

     Journal of Education Policy. Retrieved October 1, 2006, from

     http://jep.csus.edu/journal2006/paper1.htm

  

Haskins, W. A.  (2000).  Ethos and pedagogical communication:  suggestions for enhancing

     credibility in the classroom.  Current Issues in Education, Retrieved October 1, 2006, from

     http://cie.ed.asu.edu/volume3/number4/index.html

Holloway, J. (2006).  Model behavior.  Principal Leadership, 6(5), 44-48.

Hoy, W. K. and Miskel, C. G. (2005).  Educational administration.   New York: 

     McGraw Hill. 

Kritsonis, W.A. (2007).  Ways of knowing through the realms of meaning.  Houston, TX:  National Forum Press.

Sherman, A.J.  (2005).  Schools for scandal.  New England Review, 26(3), 82-91.

About the Author

Ms. Butcher is an Assistant Principal in the state of Texas

Dr. Kritsonis Recognized as Distinguished Alumnus

In 2004, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis was recognized as the Central Washington University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Education and Professional Studies. Dr. Kritsonis was nominated by alumni, former students, friends, faculty, and staff. Final selection was made by the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Recipients are CWU graduates of 20 years or more and are recognized for achievement in their professional field and have made a positive contribution to society. For the second consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report placed Central Washington University among the top elite public institutions in the west. CWU was 12th on the list in the 2006 On-Line Education of “America’s Best Colleges.”