A middle school student is administered a test according to school policy and in compliance with the student's IEP. Afterward, the science teacher instruct... [Show More] s the special educator to retest the student without the IEP accommodations because the science teacher thinks the IEP serves as a crutch for the student.
Which teacher action aligns with the CEC Code of Ethics?
Tell the science teacher that the test cannot be retaken because the student's IEP allows for certain accommodations and the current test with those accommodations stands.
Correct! Despite the individual feelings of any IEP team member, the team determined that the student needed the accommodations in the IEP to make adequate yearly progress.
You approach a middle school student with an intellectual disability sitting in a wet spot on the hallway carpet, which appears to be her own urine. You talk to the student and ask her if she would like you to walk her to the nurse. While talking to her, the special education teacher comes out of her room and tells you to mind your own business and leave her student alone. She also tells you the student urinated on herself to "gain attention."
What is the next thing you should do?
Step away from the student and ask the teacher in private if you can help in any way. Explain that you respect the teacher but are worried about the welfare of the student.
Correct! When dealing with student welfare, it is okay to get involved with situations that have you concerned.
The administrator calls a staff meeting one week before the statewide assessment period. The administrator informs everyone at the meeting that students who seem to struggle with multiple-choice items can be given simple clue prompts but not the obvious answer.
Which action can a teacher take that supports professional ethics?
Report the meeting and information to an administrator and human resources because the suggestion constitutes violation of multiple rules and laws.
Correct! Administrators are bound by laws and rules of federal mandates, school districts, and school ethics and expectations. Unless specifically included in a student's IEP or test accommodations, no teacher should assist a student during a test.
You have been hired as a secondary teacher and are highly qualified in math but you do not have an endorsement in special education. Your principal has shared that you will be temporarily assisting in a self-contained classroom for a few weeks due to staffing issues. The principal also shares that after a few weeks of this assignment, there will be consideration for next steps but does not specify further.
What response would align with special education professional standards and practices?
Inform the principal that this personnel structure does not represent an accurate fit of your experience and education, and that you need confirmation from other administrators for this assignment before work begins.
Correct! If faced with a different assignment than was originally discussed at the time of hire, for instance, there should be confirmation through paperwork from several leaders or human resource managers. Speaking up for the profession, as well as yourself as a professional, supports the special education ethical practices and standards.
Ms. Smith is a sixth-grade special education teacher. On a social media site, she complains about one of her students, Terrance, and calls him by name. The next day, the principal approaches Ms. Smith with a screenshot of her post sent to him anonymously.
How should Ms. Smith proceed?
Ms. Smith should apologize to Terrance's family for the offending post and remember to keep student names confidential.
Correct! While social media posting is not illegal, it is important to keep student names, identifying information, and pictures completely confidential. Educators should also consider the guidelines outlined in FERPA that allow students and parents to have some control over the type of information that is disclosed about them.
Ms. Anderson is a tenth-grade special education teacher. Barry, a student on the autism spectrum, runs into her room in tears. He is upset because he left his homework at home and he will lose points in math because of it. Even though he has an IEP, there is no accommodation for late work.
What is the ethical thing to do?
Explain to Barry that as unfortunate as it is to forget your homework, there are consequences for doing so.
Correct! Unless Barry's IEP states a modification or accommodation for late homework, he is required to follow the rules set forth by the classroom teachers.
One of the students in your class uses a certain word to get another student's attention. Other students complain that the word is a bad word and it should not be allowed. You have never heard the word before and, by all accounts, it does not sound negative. You tell the class to move on and focus on their work. One morning, the parent of the student that was insulted storms into your classroom very upset. The parent tells you the word is a highly negative and degrading term for a person with that disability.
What action should be taken?
Willingly and openly apologize to both parent and student. Develop a plan to address the incident with the class and make a commitment to educate yourself and your students further.
Correct! An important trait to develop as a teacher is the willingness to admit and accept professional lapses. It is also important to take constructive action to model ethical behavior to students in the process.
Across the hall are two teachers whom you work with closely and are also good friends. The three of you are discussing the dread of "IEP season" and how creating new goals and performance levels is tedious work. One of the teachers suggests everyone get together at their home over the weekend to complete all the IEPs at once and support each other.
What is the next step in response to this collaboration?
Remind the teacher that IEPs should not be taken outside of the school and revising IEPs is a legal and confidential process that should not include other teachers.
Correct! Although many teachers will connect and become friends as well as supporting actors in special education, IEPs cannot be treated in a simple way.
Anthony is an eighth-grade student identified as being on the autism spectrum. He struggles in math and according to the school's plan of improvement, his struggles place him in an additional math class during the school day. This addition would take him out of his cooking elective, a class he dearly loves and needs in real life. The IEP team is meeting and debating over making the change. The school administration is adamant that Anthony be in the math class and his parents are adamant that he stays in the cooking class. As Anthony's special education teacher you are faced with this dilemma. You know he struggles with math, but you also know the value in life skills.
How would you advocate for Anthony?
Work with Anthony's IEP team to develop a way for him to receive extra math help and retain his cooking elective.
Correct! Working with Anthony's IEP team is the best way to ensure everyone is heard and that everyone is working to give Anthony the best possible plan to help him succeed. [Show Less]
