Code of Conduct -- the School Environment Essay

Code of Conduct -- The school environment has changed over the past several decades. As is typical, the schools reflect many of society's values and certainly the cultural changes experienced in society are then reflected within the classroom. This has become particularly true when it comes to school violence, behavior, and the availability of firearms or weapons within the school environment. These factors, as well as other sociological changes (one-parent households, technology, gang behavior, substance abuse, etc.) require that schools adopt a stricter Code of Conduct that allows a semblance of safety for both faculty and the student body (Ballantine, 2007). However, it is important that any Code of Conduct also adequately reflect the standards expected of students, be reasonable, fair, and equitable -- as well as enforceable. It should suit the development of the learners at all levels. It must contain a set of moral values, norms and principles that are relevant. The Code should clarify a promote the positive roles and responsibilities, and encourage students to take on the role of stakeholder within the system. The Code should be positive in tone, yet clear and understandable regarding consequences.It is important that it be communicated to students at multiple levels since there is such a large disparity in reading ability. Finally, communication is the key, the code must be available to parents, the community, and be reinforced on a daily basis by faculty and administrative staff (Barry, 320-22).

Part 2 -- Ethics in Education -- The study of ethics has been part of the human condition for centuries. Ethics, by nature, is a moral and philosophical concept. This concept, ancient in origin, tries to help humans understand the best way in which to live in a group, participate in cultural values, and understand the manner in which the individual interacts with the group. Ethics also helps us make material and conceptual judgments regarding behavior, approach to others, and even approach to group norms (politics, etc.). Even as far back as Ancient Greece, the guiding principles for ethics focused on being human -- and the goal of humanity is happiness, which is virtue and morality. Since all individuals naturally want to be happy, it must mean that in essence, all humans turn….....