M7_A1

Keeping in mind the tenets of invitational education and their application with respect to Washington State Middle School, describe the process of conflict management that should be adopted.

The contingency approach to conflict management should be adopted at WSMS. The contingency view maintains that there is no one best way of managing conflicts within the organization; however, there are optimal ways of managing conflict under certain conditions (Owens and Valesky, 2007). Therefore, identifying the issues that are creating the conflict should be determined before developing a plan of action. By doing this, an effective process for resolving the conflict can also be used to strengthen the organization. Owens and Valesky (2007) stated that a win-win approachin which both parties win something (though not necessarily equally)can be the most productive. Collaboration is the key to resolving conflict using a win-win approach. The parties work together to define their problems and then engage in mutual problem solving. This type approach can be used in a teacherstudent conflict, faculty conflict, teacher administrator conflict, etc. All involved parties must desire to resolve the conflict and be willing to participate in the collaborative process through open communication. Resolving conflict is an important skill for inviting schools. The win-win conflict management approach teaches that both parties are willing to accept responsibility for the conflict through mutual problem-solving. The collaboration brings about changes that strengthen and enhance the trust within the organization (Purkey, Novak, and Schmidt, 1999).
What is the relation of professionalism with the inviting approach? Discuss this in the context of your knowledge of Washington State Middle School.

The ultimate responsibility for the success of an invitational model lies with teachers (Purkey 1999). Teachers and counselors can develop an inviting attitude that pervades everything they do by being personally inviting with one's self - being personally inviting with others - being professionally inviting with one's self - being professionally inviting with others (Purkey, 1999). A professional teacher will always get to know the students, their problems, and concerns; they treat every student with respect which increases the bond of trust between the two of them. When a teacher demonstrates professionalism in the classroom, it means that students learning is the priority in a well prepared, fun and exciting environment. Professionalism must be exhibited by the entire organization. The people (faculty and staff) in the organization will shape the structure of the organization (Owens and Valesky, 1995). To change the culture of the school professionalism must exist among all stakeholders and the organization. The administrator, faculty and staff should become professionally inviting with one's self and being professionally inviting with others (Purkey, 1999). This is necessary to improve student learning and change the climate of the school. Communication among the stakeholders is imperative and conflicts must be resolved.

What should be the plan for the overall future development of Washington State Middle School?

Organizational self-renewal strategies focus on helping those in the school to strengthen the climate and culture of the school, improve its organizational health, and develop its ability to detect and solve its own problems (Owen and Valesky, 2007). WSMS should make decisions to deal with conflict, and improve motivation and morale at the school. The goal will be the development of an organization that renews itself over time in response to changes in its environment. When the administration and faculty work as a collaborative body from the bottom up, the trust within the organization improves. Instead of depending on stakeholders from outside of WSMS, they use the expertise within the school to change the climate and improve achievement. As a learning organization they will: Reject packaged innovations that did not permit adaptation to local conditions. Develop their own materials to include subjects of diversity rather than simply adopting materials that had been developed elsewhere. Engage in continuous planning and professional development to further enhance the inviting model Engaged in ongoing training of colleagues as mentors/mentees that experience difficulties in adapting to change due to lack of knowledge. Engage students, parents, and stakeholders in the organizational self-renewal. (Owens and Valesky, 2007) WSMS can integrate differentiated instruction into the curriculum to improve achievement. This strategy can be implemented school wide as a segment of their organizational self-renewal. By using differentiated instruction, WSMS can meet all individual student needs and help every student meet and exceed established standards (Willoughby, 2005). This is the goal of the invitational principle helping students achieve academic success.

Purkey, Novak, and & Schmidt. (2008) Retrieved April 14, 2011 from http://www.invitationaleducation.net/ie/What%20Is%20I.E_files/frame.htm Purkey, W. (1999). Creating Safe Schools through invitational education. Retrieved April 14, 2011, from http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-3/safe.htm Owens, R., & Valesky, T. (2007). Organizational Behavior in Education: Adaptive Leadership and School Reform. NY, NY. Pearson Education, Inc Retrieved April 14, 2011 from: http://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/#/books/0558576400/pages/15130775 Willoughby, Jennipher. (2005). Differentiating Instruction: Meeting Students Where They Are. Retrieved April 14, 2011 from http://www.glencoe.com/sec/teachingtoday/subject/di_meeting.phtml