Leadership and Change

The adaptive problem that must be confronted in my work environment centers around the inclusion of cultural sensitivity when dealing with the school's very diverse population. For this school the population is largely Hispanic and the teachers tend to be White. While the mission of the school includes consideration of cultural differences and educators are dedicated toward applying principles that enhance education for all, adapting these principles is problematic.

Although teachers have the best intentions, there are many student reports of discriminating attitudes or situations. Students will comment that a teacher does not like them due to their minority status. While in fact it may be said that teachers are not discriminating against these students, the adaptation of culturally sensitive attitudes has not eliminated problems. In fact teachers may be acting in an overly sensitive fashion, which ultimately segregates the minority group. Thus while values such as recognition and acceptance of all cultures may be the goal, values related to the adaptation of this goal may need to be changed. For example, how a teacher perceives cultural sensitivity may differ from how a minority student or parent views cultural sensitivity. These differing opinions may be the cause of adaptive problems.

The leadership dilemma related to the adaptive problem is that whil

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each ultimate goals needed to include a broader perspective which can only be gained through an understanding of the individual. This understanding must also include knowledge of the change process and what others need to feel supported while it takes place. The inspirational leader, which I strive to become, needs to include others and their needs in decision-making processes. Further consideration of my actions brings to mind my tendency to act according to my personal needs and fears. It is clear that I not only disregarded the change process with regard to others, but my own needs were not considered as well. Next my strengths and weaknesses were reviewed. Strengths and Weaknesses Originally I viewed myself as being strong in the areas of planning and organization, judgment, risk taking, creativity, persistence, initiative, group leadership, individual leadership, adaptability, flexibility, and consideration. I also viewed myself as being weak in written and oral communication, stress tolerance, decisiveness, and problem analysis. This self-evaluation differed from the ratings of others. Others perceived my strengths as persistence, initiative, group leadership, decisiveness, and good communication. A look at m
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Model II, Essay Originally, Michael Fullan, Controller Reviewing, Professional Development, Elmore's Forum, Dimensions Leadership, Courage Teach, York City, Weaknesses Originally, change process, visual arts, democratic education, student learning, addition earlier goals, earlier goals, theory change, addition earlier, written communication, current situation, oral communication, visual arts techniques, writing drawing drama, art writing drawing, overview leadership behavior,
Approximate Word count = 10112
Approximate Pages = 40 (250 words per page)