Critical thinking tools can be applied to the public school systems policy on the transferring of non-tenured teachers. "Philosopher Laura Nash suggests asking oneself 12 questions prior to reaching a decision in an ethical dilemma" (Hartman, 2001, p.68). Her question provide a foundation for looking into the ethics of the school systems decision making. .
Listed below are Nash's 12 critical thinking questions (p.68):.
1. Have you defined the problem accurately?.
2. How would you define the problem if you stood on the other side of the fence?.
3. How did the situation occur in the first place?.
4. Who was involved in the situation in the first place?.
5. What is your intention in making this decision?.
6. How does this intention compare with likely results?.
7. Whom could your decision or action injure?.
8. Can you engage the affected parties in a discussion of the problem before you make your decision?.
9. Are you confident that your decision will be as valid over a long period as it seems now?.
10. Could you disclose, without qualms your decision or action to your boss, your CEO, the board of directors, your family, or society as a whole?.
11. What is the symbolic potential of your action if understood?.
12. Under what condition would you allow exceptions to your stand?.
Touching on various aspects of this approach will allow the views of all involved parties to be presented.
Defining the Problem.
A problem causing an ethical dilemma within the public school system is a policy stating a non-tenured teacher cannot transfer to another school. In order to be tenured, a teacher must teach for two years and receive satisfactory ratings during that period. .
If a teacher experiences any problems within their placement, there is no option to transfer to another school if not tenured. Unfortunately, many new teachers run into problems that could easily be resolved if only they could transfer to another school. Teachers may feel backed into a corner, so they resign.
