Original post at https://create.twu.ca/sally81/2018/10/09/no-other-way/
Thank you, Sally, for your post. As a leader in health care, I have a nominal role in educating clients and their families, but nothing to the extent of those in education.
I have a question regarding TSL in education, specifically with parts of the curriculum that some find in disharmony with their personal values. For example, the Science 7 part of the curriculum as evolution by natural selection as a “big idea” (British Columbia Ministry of Education, n.d.). Further, one hot topic for the coming election is sexual orientation and gender identity. The Ministry of Education announced in 2016 the requirement to reference SOGI in codes of conduct (The ARC Foundation, 2016).
I understand the characteristics of TSL include listening and empathy, as well as building community (Spears, as cited in Northouse, 2013). TSL education leaders would need to listen to different stakeholders with their concerns over these parts of the curriculum. As well, TSL education leaders need to empathize with educators and their diverse perspectives, especially regarding the required curriculum from the Ministry of Education. Finally, a TSL education leader seeks to build community among other educators as well as students and their families.
However, the current political climate appears to hinder the process of building community. Henderson (2018) notes the current controversy with SOGI, saying “the issue has been a polarizing one rife with misinformation about what the program is actually about.” I feel as though ideologies have become more crystallized, although I cannot provide any concentrate proof – I am certain people have been arguing loudly since the beginning of time!
I agree with your emphasis on critical thinking, especially in the current political environment. Seabreeze (2018) asked if TSL is more prevalent now than it was in the past. I would like to posit the opposite question – do you see a rise in authoritarianism and followers with a “sheep” mentality? With the rise of the Internet, I see the words in Daniel coming true with knowledge increasing (Daniel 12:4), but I don’t necessarily see an increase in wisdom. Sadly, even in the religious realm, I see too many people not reading their Bibles to critically analyze their study. Instead, they rely on their religious leaders to tell them what to think.
I look forward to your response!
References:
The ARC Foundation (2018). SOGI 1: policies and procedures. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://bc.sogieducation.org/sogi1/
British Columbia Ministry of Education (n.d.). Science 7. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/7
Henderson, P. (2018). “Anti-SOGI candidate to run for Chilliwack school board”. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.theprogress.com/municipal-election/anti-sogi-candidate-to-run-for-chilliwack-school-board/
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
Seabreeze (2018). Reply to “No other way”. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://create.twu.ca/sally81/2018/10/09/no-other-way/
Sally Hinksman says:
Thank you for responding so specifically, Pierre, and taking us from the comfort of theoretical leadership to the practical outworking of our understandings!
If we are living faithfully and scripturally, shouldn’t we often find ourselves in disharmonious relationships with daily life requirements? Is this not where our decisions for a TSL approach will truly stand out from the over-reactive, negatively-responding, I-get-to-do-it-my-way interactions of the world? If we take on the attitude that was in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11) and perceive our place as one of serving, we will find ways fulfill our role as an educator which will bring glory to God, as Christ did. There are many examples in scripture where Jesus broke with the norms of the day to reach those who most needed love in society: Zaccheus, woman at the well, the demon-possessed, the self-sufficient rich, self-righteous religious leaders, etc. Why would we think that avoiding uncomfortable situations is good leadership? Real life decisions like these two you have presented, Pierre, are why critical thinking is so necessary!
The issues of SOGI—Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Arc Foundation, 2018) are not going away and the theory of evolution has been in the education system for centuries. Informing ourselves and being able to answer questions and positions in accordance with our faith stance (1 Peter 3:15) or TSL pedagogy is vital to developing consistency in our practice. We are commanded to love people; we must serve them through the strength of our faith. The Apostle Paul was very clear about meeting people wherever they are in their lives “to win as many as possible” (I Corinthians 9:19-23). Acknowledging that this is a VUCA world (Ungerer et al., 2016, p. 3) should solidify our choices in TSL practice knowing that “leaders must make continuous shifts in people, process, technology, and structure” (Ungerer et al., 2016, p. 4).
The theory of evolution is an educable construct. It can be taught as one scientific concept without being taught as the truth. The “Big Idea” format is how our new curriculum is constructed; the real big idea of evolution in the Grade 7 curriculum is “Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things” (BC New, 2018) The wording allows for this part of the curriculum to focus on changes in the natural world over time without promoting evolution vs. creation. Being informed is a way of knowing how well our faith in God is exactly what brings TSL in alignment with the world’s struggles. I have served in the public school system for nearly three decades and I have never had to teach about same-sex parent families as a better model, evolution as the real way of earth becoming what it is today, or the gender orientation realities as options. I have, however, built relationships with my students who have same-sex parents, come a vast array of belief backgrounds, and children who have gender-varied identities; I have also worked with adults who come with these same diversities. Considering the human element is an important part of TSL (Hughes et al, 2014, p. 32). A scriptural foundation in serving, working and occasionally leading with an effort to a congruent walk and talk is a necessity:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10, NIV
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” – Daniel 12:14, NIV
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body.” – James 3:1-2
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8, NIV
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:13-16, NIV
TSL leaders should not shy away from controversial positions, such as those referenced as running on anti-SOGI platforms in Chilliwack (Henderson, 2018, para. 7) but I believe we need to know how best to use those platforms to bring glory to God. Being against a view is perhaps not as impactful as understanding the issue, preparing a statement with clarity, and presenting a positive alternative. Sometimes the position of leadership requires less of a personal point of view for a big picture vision of how to apply enduring influence (Hughes et al., 2014, p. 15).
Healthcare professionals also face many moral, ethical, and spiritual dilemmas in delivering high quality of healing care to patients and clients: pro-choice, right-to-die, gender reassignment surgery assistance, etc. How will TSL be applicable in these situations? Who is the main focus in such instances: the client, the employee, or the leader?
References
The ARC Foundation (2016-2018). SOGI 1 2 3 Q & A. Retrieved from https://bc.sogieducation.org/q-a
BC New Curriculum. (2018). Science 7. Retrieved October 13, 2018 from https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/science/7
Henderson, P. (2018). “Anti-SOGI candidate to run for Chilliwack school board”. Retrieved October 13, 2018, from https://www.theprogress.com/municipal-election/anti-sogi-candidate-to-run-for-chilliwack-school-board/
Hughes, R., Beatty, K., and Dinwoodie, D. (2014). Becoming a strategic leader: Your role in your organization’s enduring success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Ungerer, M., Ungerer, G. and Herholdt, J. (2016). Navigating strategic possibilities: Strategy formulation and execution practices to flourish. Randburg: KR Publishing. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.student.twu.ca:2956/eds/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzE0MjcwMjhfX0FO0?sid=5fbd51a5-30a9-4409-a951-e9e184d6d557@pdc-v-sessmgr02&vid=1&format=EB
October 13, 2018 — 5:07 pm
pierreflorendo says:
Hi Sally,
Thank you for your post!
I was wondering if you could re-post your reply in your blog. I missed approving this response as I forgot we had to approve replies to blog posts! I want everyone to see your well-written reply, especially with the concept of “educable concept” versus truth.
Thanks again!
-Pierre
October 16, 2018 — 3:48 am