APS Board member David Peercy wanted to know;

How does the new language improve the old?

It is a fair question. There is no reason to replace a policy,
if the replacement amounts to no gain.

The new policy statement reads;

In no case shall the standards of conduct for an adult,
be lower than the standards of conduct for students.

The policy language that would be replaced reads;

G.14 EMPLOYEE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Employees of the Albuquerque Public Schools shall serve as positive role models for students and set good examples in conduct, manners, dress and grooming. APS expects each employee to maintain the highest standards of conduct and act in a mature and responsible manner at all times. Employees must not engage in activities which violate federal, state or local laws or which, in any way, diminish the integrity, efficiency or discipline of the District.

The difference;

In no case shall the standards of conduct for an adult,
be lower than the standards of conduct for students.

points to a specific standards of conduct; the student standards
of conduct.

The student standards are written down, concrete standards
with agreed upon meaning. The principles are recognized,
accepted, and respected, standards of ethical conduct.

Current policy cites no reference document.

Where do you go to find an enforceable definition of "positive",
"good examples", "mature", or "diminish"?


The new policy statement points to unequivocal standards.
The old policy points to standards ripe for equivocation.

The new language points to the heart of the issue; the meaning
of "role modeling", which is; adults must be accountable
to exactly the same standards of conduct and competence
that they enforce upon students.

The old language does not.

No purpose is served by having two different codes of conduct,
even if it can be argued that they are equivalent, which
they most certainly are not.

Trying to hold students accountable to a higher standards
of conduct than adults, reeks of hypocrisy. Students see it.

Upton Sinclair first wrote;

We should not be so worried that our children
never listen to us, as we should be worried
that they are always watching us.

If the Pillars of Character Counts! are reasonable standards
of conduct for students, they they are reasonable standards of
conduct for their adult role models.