Integrity Compass Slides Unit: Integrity Compass
Value Conflicts
Building your internal compass with the FAST skills for self-respect.
Lesson 01
The Big Question
"What is the cost of compromising my values to fit in, and how does honesty protect my relationships?"
The FAST Framework
Self-Respect Skills for Success
F
Fair
Be fair to yourself and the other person.
A
Apologies
No over-apologizing for having a point of view.
S
Stick to Values
Don't sell out your integrity to be liked.
T
Truthful
Don't lie, act helpless, or exaggerate.
S
Stick to Values
What does it mean?
It means staying true to your moral compass. You don't abandon what you believe is right just to avoid a conflict or fit in with a group.
The Benefit
When you stick to your values, your self-respect stays intact. You don't have that "guilty" or "fake" feeling later.
Common "S" Pitfalls
Lying about your interests to match a crush
Going along with a mean joke about a friend
Doing someone else's work so they won't get mad
Case Study #1
The Group Project Dilemma
Discussion Topic
"Jordan is in a group with the 'popular' kids. They decide to use an old essay from a sibling to save time. Jordan values honesty and working hard, but is afraid that speaking up will make them an outcast for the rest of the year. Jordan goes along with it, but feels sick to their stomach during the presentation."
Value at Risk
Academic Integrity
Social Pressure
Desire for Approval
Result
Loss of Self-Respect
Lab Reflection
01
If Jordan had Stuck to Values, what exactly could they have said?
02
What is the "Social Tax" Jordan pays if they speak up? Is it worth it?
03
Can you respect someone who doesn't respect themselves?
Value Conflict Lab Worksheet Integrity Lab Report
Case Study Analysis: Sticking to Values (S)
Student Name
Date
The Integrity Compass
Focusing on the S in FAST
Fair
F
Apologies
A
Stick to Values
S
Truthful
T
1
Scenario: The "In" Group
"Alex is invited to a party where he knows there will be older kids doing things he doesn't agree with. His best friends are all going and keep saying he's 'lame' for hesitating. Alex wants to be part of the group, but he knows going would cross a line for him."
Identify the value at risk:
What is the "Short-Term Gain" of going along with the group?
What is the "Long-Term Cost" to Alex's self-respect if he ignores his values?
2
Scenario: The Shared Secret
"Maya's friend tells her a secret that is actually harmful to another person. Maya values loyalty, but she also values kindness and safety. Her friend makes her promise not to tell, but Maya knows someone might get hurt if she stays silent."
Identify the conflict between values (Loyalty vs. ____________):
Draft one sentence Maya could say to her friend that "Sticks to her Values":
The Integrity Takeaway
Finish this sentence:
"Sticking to my values matters more than fitting in because __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________"
Value Conflicts Teacher Guide Integrity Compass Series
Teacher Guide: Analyzing Value Conflicts
Lesson 01: The "S" in FAST (Stick to Values)
Time
45m
Learning Objective
Students will be able to define "Sticking to Values" within the FAST framework and identify the long-term emotional and social benefits of maintaining self-respect in peer-pressure situations.
Key Vocabulary
Integrity Self-Respect Compromise FAST Framework
Materials Checklist
Integrity Compass Slides
Lab Report Worksheet
Timer for small groups
Chart paper/Markers
Lesson Blueprint
05
The Hook: Compromise Cost
Read a "Choose Your Own Adventure" scenario (Jordan's story from the slides). Ask: "Why is it easier to say yes to the group and no to yourself?" Let 2-3 students share.
10
FAST Introduction
Introduce the FAST acronym. Emphasize that these are skills , not just personality traits. Focus specifically on "Stick to Values."
"We aren't born with the ability to say 'no' to our friends. We have to train that muscle. That's the S in FAST."
20
Integrity Lab (Small Groups)
Students work in pairs or trios on the Value Conflict Lab Worksheet . Circulate and listen for their definitions of "Long-Term Cost."
Teacher Tip:
If students struggle with "Value at Risk," prompt them with: "What part of being a 'good person' is being tested here?"
10
The Reflection Gallery
Debrief as a class. Focus on the "Social Tax." Ask: "Is a friend who expects you to give up your values really a friend?"
Support & Extensions
Support: Provide a word bank of values (Honesty, Safety, Loyalty, Fairness).Extension: Challenge students to write their own "S" dilemma where the right choice is ambiguous.
Common Misconceptions
Students often think "Sticking to Values" means being rude or judgmental. Remind them that FAST includes being Fair and avoiding over-apologizing—it's about assertive neutral delivery, not attacking others.
The Sorry Trap Slides FAST Skills: Lesson 02
The Sorry Trap
Why over-apologizing kills your credibility and how the "A" in FAST keeps you assertive.
Skill Spotlight
No Apologies
A
The Confidence Test
Script A
"I'm so sorry to bother you, and I'm probably wrong, but I think maybe we should try doing the presentation this way? Sorry, it's just an idea, ignore me if it's dumb."
Confidence
Clarity
Authority
Script B
"I have a suggestion for the presentation layout. I think this format will be more engaging for the class. What do you think of this approach?"
Confidence
Clarity
Authority
The Anatomy of a "Sorry"
Fear of Conflict
We use "sorry" as a shield. We hope it makes people less likely to get angry at us for having an opinion.
The Power Gap
When we over-apologize, we tell the world: "Your time/opinion is worth more than mine."
Fill-in-the-Blank
Sometimes we just say it because we don't know how else to start a sentence. It's a verbal habit!
A
Apologies (No Overdoing It)
When to Apologize
You actually did something wrong
You hurt someone's feelings
When NOT to Apologize
Having an opinion
Existing in a space
Saying "no" to a request
The "Swap It" Strategy
Stop Saying
"Sorry for being late."
Try Saying
"Thank you for waiting."
Stop Saying
"Sorry, can I ask a question?"
Try Saying
"I have a question about..."
Stop Saying
"I'm sorry, I can't help you."
Try Saying
"Unfortunately, I'm busy then."
Sorry Free Zone Worksheet Sorry-Free Zone
Mastering the "A" (No Apologies) in FAST
Communication Officer
The Skill: No Apologies
Over-apologizing makes your opinions sound like mistakes. In the FAST framework, we only apologize when we have actually done something wrong. We stay assertive by owning our space and our thoughts.
A
No Apologies
01
Spot the Trap
Read the sentences below. Circle the "Useless Apologies" that aren't actually for a mistake.
"I'm sorry, I know this is a dumb question, but can you explain the homework again?"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you in the hallway!"
"I'm so sorry, but I actually can't come to your party on Saturday."
"I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't say anything, but I think the group is off track."
02
The "Swap It" Challenge
Rewrite these apologetic statements to be assertive. Remove the unnecessary "sorry" and speak with confidence.
Weak Statement
"Sorry, is it okay if I sit here?"
Assertive Swap
Weak Statement
"I'm sorry, I'm just really confused by what you said."
Assertive Swap
Weak Statement
"Sorry, can you move your bag so I can get past?"
Assertive Swap
Self-Respect Check
"When I stop over-apologizing, I am telling people that my presence and my opinions are ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________."
Fairness Factor Slides FAST Skills: Lesson 03
Fairness Factor
Mastering the "F" in FAST: Negotiating without steamrolling or getting crushed.
F
Core Value
Fair to Self & Others
The Pizza Dilemma
"Your group of 4 is ordering one large pizza. You are starving and want extra meat. One person is vegetarian. One person is allergic to onions. One person only likes cheese."
The Challenge:
Find a solution where everyone leaves the table feeling respected. No one gets everything, but no one gets nothing.
Negotiation Styles
The Doormat
"Whatever you guys want is fine, I'm not that hungry anyway." (Unfair to self)
The Steamroller
"We are getting meat lovers because I'm paying more. Deal with it." (Unfair to others)
The FAST Approach
"Let's do half-and-half or specific slices so everyone can eat." (Fair to all)
The Two Sides of Fair
Fair to You
You have a right to your needs, your boundaries, and your work being acknowledged. You don't have to "take one for the team" every single time.
Example:
"I've done 3 slides already, I'd like someone else to take the next section."
Fair to Them
The other person also has rights. Being fair means listening to their side and not using threats, guilt, or manipulation to get your way.
Example:
"I hear that you're stressed about soccer practice; let's find a time that works for both of us."
Finding the Sweet Spot
Aggressive
"Me first."
Assertive
Passive
"Whatever you want."
Goal:
To Win
Goal:
To Reach Fairness
Goal:
To Avoid Conflict
The FAST Formula for Conflict
1
Validate the other person's perspective.
2
State your own needs clearly (Assertiveness).
3
Propose a compromise that honors both.
"I see that you're [FEELING], and I need [NEED]. How about we [SOLUTION]?"
Fairness Negotiation Lab Worksheet Negotiation Lab
Balancing Self and Others: The "F" in FAST
Lab Activity
The Fairness Formula
"I see that you [Validate Their Feeling], and I need [State Your Need]. How about we [Propose Compromise]?"
01
The Over-Worker
"You are working on a poster with a partner. You've done almost all the coloring and the research. Your partner spent the whole time on their phone, but now wants to be the one who presents to the class to get 'the easy part'."
Your Draft Response:
02
The "My Way" Friend
"Every time you hang out with your friend, you end up playing the same video game they like. You've asked to switch games three times, and they said 'just one more round' every time. You're starting to feel frustrated and ignored."
Your Draft Response:
03
The Busy Schedule
"Your group needs to meet after school to finish a project. Two people want to meet today, but you have practice and can't make it. They are annoyed and say you're 'not being a team player' if you don't skip practice."
Your Draft Response:
04
The Shared Seat
"On the bus, someone is taking up 75% of the seat with their bag. You are squished against the window. They seem busy on their phone and haven't noticed you're uncomfortable, or they are just ignoring it."
Your Draft Response:
Pro Tip: Watch the Tone
Fairness isn't just about what you say, it's how you say it. If your voice is loud or your arms are crossed, your "Fairness Formula" might sound like an attack. Stay calm, stay steady.
Digital Truths Slides FAST Skills: Lesson 04
Digital Truths
Mastering the "T" in FAST: Protecting your reputation in a digital world.
Skill Focus
Truthful & Authentic
T
The Distortion Effect
01
"I saw Sam sitting alone at lunch today. They looked kind of sad."
Passed to Group A
02
"Did you hear? Sam got dumped and was crying in the cafeteria."
The Exaggeration
03
"SAM IS QUITTING SCHOOL BECAUSE THEIR PARTNER CHEATED ON THEM LOL 💀"
The Digital Lie
T
The "T" Rules
No Lying
The obvious one. No "stretching" the truth to sound cooler or get someone in trouble.
No Exaggerating
Making things sound "worse" or "crazier" than they are. This is still a form of dishonesty.
No Acting Helpless
Pretending you can't do something or don't know something just to get someone else to do it for you.
Authenticity
Being the same person online as you are in real life. No "catfishing" or fake personas.
The Permanent Nature of "T"
In person, a lie might be forgotten. Online, a lie is a receipt. Every time you compromise your truthfulness for "likes" or "clout," you leave a trail that follows your reputation.
Reputation Insurance
"When you are known as a person who is always truthful, your words carry weight. When you aren't, your words are just noise."
The "T" Filter Questions
Is this exactly how it happened?
Am I saying this for attention?
Would I say this to their face?
Am I hiding behind a screen?
The "T" Challenge
Find a time this week where you were tempted to exaggerate a story to sound cooler.
What would happen to your self-respect if you chose to tell the simple, boring truth instead?
Digital Forensics Worksheet Digital Forensic Lab
The "T" Test: Truthfulness in a Digital World
Truth Verified
01
The Rumor Trail
Analyze the text thread below. Identify where the **Truthfulness (T)** was lost and where **Exaggeration** took over.
Riley
Hey did u hear? Coach called Taylor into the office after practice. Taylor looked really worried.
Jordan
omg why?? did taylor get kicked off the team?? i heard they failed math.
Riley
Prob. I saw Taylor crying later. Everyone is saying they r done for the season.
Jordan
Taylor is such a mess. Im posting this on the group chat so people know to find a new goalie lol.
The Point of Departure
Where did the facts turn into assumptions or lies?
The Damage Report
How does Jordan's lack of "T" hurt Taylor's reputation?
02
The Digital Audit
Apply the **Truthfulness (T)** skill to these common digital traps. Rewrite the "Digital Lie" to be 100% Truthful.
The Digital Lie (Exaggeration)
"Ugh, I literally studied for 10 hours and still failed. This teacher is out to get me."
Actual Fact: Studied for 30 mins, got a C-.
The "T" Rewrite (Truthful)
The Digital Lie (Acting Helpless)
"Wait, I have no idea how to upload the file to the portal? Can someone just do it for me? I'm so bad at tech."
Actual Fact: Knows how, but doesn't feel like doing it.
The "T" Rewrite (Truthful)
"Truthfulness isn't just about not lying; it's about not distorting."
FAST Mastery Slides Final Lesson: 05
FAST Mastery
Synthesis and Application: Using your Integrity Compass to navigate the real world.
F
A
S
T
The Toolkit Recap
F
Fair
Balance your needs with theirs.
A
Apologies
No "Sorry" for having a point of view.
S
Stick to Values
Don't sell out your integrity.
T
Truthful
No exaggerating or acting helpless.
Why Master FAST?
When you use all four skills together, you create a shield of self-respect. You stop being a "people pleaser" and start being a person with clear boundaries and strong relationships.
The Mastery Challenge
Phase 1: Create
Write a realistic "Crisis Case" that a 7th grader might face today. It could be about a group chat, a project, or a lunchroom dilemma.
"Don't make it easy—make it a real struggle where fitting in feels tempting."
Phase 2: Resolve
Swap cases with a partner. You must solve their "Crisis" using the full FAST framework.
Are you being FAIR to yourself?
Did you avoid OVER-APOLOGIZING?
Did you STICK TO YOUR VALUES?
Were you 100% TRUTHFUL?
Example Mastery Case
"Your best friend caught someone else cheating on the math test. They want you to help them 'blackmail' that person into doing your homework, or they'll tell the teacher. They say, 'It's fair because they cheated anyway!'"
F Check
Is blackmail fair to the other person? Is doing homework fair to you?
A Check
Will you say "I'm sorry, but I can't..." or just "I'm not doing that"?
S Check
What is your value regarding honesty and kindness here?
T Check
Are you being honest with your friend about why you disagree?
Your Compass is Ready.
"Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching, even when the person watching is you."
Go Lead with Respect.
FAST Mastery Challenge Worksheet FAST Mastery Challenge
Unit Synthesis: The Integrity Compass Final Exam
Mastery Level
01
Phase 1: The Crisis Architect
Design a realistic social dilemma for a 7th grader. Include a **Value Conflict (S)**, a moment where they might **Over-Apologize (A)**, a **Fairness (F)** issue, and a temptation to be **Untruthful (T)**.
Scenario Description:
The Temptation
The Social Risk
02
Phase 2: The FAST Resolution
Write out how the character uses each skill to resolve the crisis with their self-respect intact.
F: Fair
What is a solution that is fair to both people?
A: No Apologies
What is an assertive statement they can use?
S: Stick to Values
Which specific value are they protecting?
T: Truthful
What is the "Total Truth" they need to speak?
My Integrity Goal
"Of the four FAST skills, I am currently strongest at ________________. I want to work harder on ________________ because it will help me feel more ________________ in my relationships."
Respect Self
Respect Others
