Sensemaking and engagement in ethical decision-making (SEED): A United States decision-making framework for educational administration and school leadership

Most studies of educator sensemaking focus on teachers. This article addresses the lack of focus on school administrators’ sensemaking in the United States context. Principals’ sensemaking guides problem-solving, policy implementation, planning, management, and resource allocation. Proposed is a framework to assist administrators to appropriately respond to the over 300 decisions they must daily make. The Sensemaking and Engagement in Ethical Decision-Making (SEED) Framework was grounded in and conceived from leadership, ethics, and engagement scholarship. It is comprised of five decision-making phases aligned with professional standards in a strategic inquiry-driven process. Sensemaking requires a sound understanding of leadership theory as well as the psychosocial impact administrator decisions have on school climate, teacher practices, and student learning. School leader's influence on learning conditions, and student and staff well-being demand centering sensemaking and ethical decision-making. Increasing this demand are educational policies born out of ideological and political polarization that risk widening gaps in educational opportunities and life trajectories among a critical mass, students of color. The urgency in preparing leaders to engage ethical values in decision-making while addressing contemporary challenges is apparent. The SEED Framework provides a decision-making tool useful for leadership preparation programs, hiring, and leadership development, globally.