ABSTRACT
Even though the term best interests is used frequently, there is a lack of clarity as to what constitutes a student’s best interests. School leaders tend to interpret this phrase in a variety of ways, oftentimes disagreeing on the best course of action or what is truly in the best interests of the student. Thus, the time has come for developing a more robust model to determine the best interests of the student when making ethical decisions. Based on a new conceptualization of the three Rs with the correlates as rights, responsibilities, and respect, this model presents a guide for school leaders as they make ethical decisions.
