American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
- Chapter 1 “Writing for the Behavioral and Social Sciences” (pp. 9–20)
Braxton, J. M., & Bray, N. J. (2012, Winter). Introduction: The importance of codes of conduct for academia. New Directions for Higher Education, 160, 1–4.
Claudet, J. (2011). Leaders who make a big difference: Envisioning educational initiatives for positive social change. National Forum of Educational Administration & Supervision Journal, 28(2), 79–87.
Optional Resources
Gardner, S. K., & Mendoza, P. (2010). On becoming a scholar: Socialization and development in doctoral education. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
Li, K., & Sinn, M. (2010). Teacher as the change agent: Implementation and impact of a learner-centered approach in testing argumentative essays to senior secondary ESL learners in Hong Kong. International Journal of Learning, 17(4), 595–612.
Rylatt, A. (2013, July). Three qualities of highly successful change agents. T & D, 67(7), 72–74.
Swing, R. L. (2009). Institutional researchers as change agents. New Directions for Institutional Research, 2009(143), 5–16. doi:10.1002/ir.301.
ASSIGNMENT:
Reflect on the skills you have practiced thus far in the course. You have identified current issues in education. After determining some of the problems related to these issues, you searched for and critically analyzed literature related to those problems. Informed by scholarly research, you narrowed the focus of a topic to a problem and determined possible problem statements for scholarly inquiry.
In this module, you have revisited those problem statements, identified key stakeholders related to a specific problem, and determined essential questions that you will ask stakeholders in order to inform a positive change. You have considered that you must identify, inform, and involve many stakeholders in any plan to effect a positive change. Although many individuals have the ability to identify problems, leaders in education are those who take action to improve situations or solve problems.
For this Assignment, you will apply these skills to address a problem related to the case study you have been exploring throughout the course. What problems have you and your colleagues identified as you have explored the case study together?
Select one of those problems that you would like investigate further in order to effect a positive change. Assume the role of the leader in the planning for positive change related to the problem you identify and consider the steps you might take to effect change, and how they might inform an action plan for change. Then, download the Action Plan Template located in the Learning Resources section. Use the template as a guide to assist and organize the different items that you need to investigate in order to move the plan for change in a positive direction. Let’s focus on bullying. I wonder, what is it about schools, that influence students to bully others?
Submit a 2- to 3-page paper in which you identify the change you would like to implement and explain the plan you would use to bring about the change. Be sure to address all the topics outlined in the template: goals, actions, time frame, stakeholders, and an evaluation strategy. Also include relevant resources that you have located in the library. Note the strategies you, as a leader in education, would take to facilitate change related to the problem you identified. Explain your rationale for the strategy you are proposing.
