Ethical Guidelines:
The Council for Exceptional Children: Ethical Principles and Practice Standards
The National Association of Special Education Teachers: Code of Ethics
The U.S. Department of Education: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
How is FERPA connected to CEC and NASET’s ethical standards for special educators?
The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is an act that allows parents to request their student’s educational information, have control over the disclosure of said information, and request amendments to student records if necessary (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). Most schools and universities adhere to this law. Many educational organizations include similar sentiments in their ethical policies. The Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) aims to uphold federal and state laws, regulations, and policies that influence educational and professional practices, as well as advocate for necessary improvements. They also vow to collaborate with students’ families in educational decision-making. (Council for Exceptional Children, n.d.). Parents who work with the CEC have the right under FERPA to disclose certain educational information regarding their child. The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) also has ethical principles that protect student privacy and safety. The fifth principle of NASET’s ethical statement focuses on working with the student’s parents to build respect and trust. This principle specifically addresses the need for respect regarding the special knowledge shared by the parents and families of the child with disabilities, only using that information to improve the education of the child (National Association of Special Education Teachers, n.d.).
What characteristics and behaviors will make you stand out as an ethical educator?
There are several commonalities between the ethical standards of the CEC and the NASET, which enhances the necessity to practice those standards. NASET mentioned a need to continue professional education and stay up to date with new developments in the field of special education (National Association of Special Education Teachers, n.d.). To be an ethical educator, I will need to continue my own education and regularly attend professional development seminars. It will also be imperative that I create a safe environment where students can learn more about themselves and their disabilities, giving them space to develop a sense of identity. Being an ethical educator means helping your students grow while also growing yourself.
How will you demonstrate ethical behavior when working with students with diverse learning needs?
The most basic way I can demonstrate ethical behaviors in the classroom is to treat my students with respect and collaborate openly with their parents. I can also use the high-leverage practices (HLP) that are presented by the CEC and CEEDAR. There are four domains of HLPs: collaboration, data-driven practices, instruction in behavior and academics, and intensification and intervention as needed (Council for Exceptional Children, n.d.). By following these domains, I can ensure that my students with exceptionalities are being treated fairly and receiving the accommodations and assistance that they need to succeed.
References:
Council for Exceptional Children. (n.d.). Ethical principles and practice standards.
http://www.cec.sped.org/Standards/Ethical-Principles-and-Practice-Standards
Council for Exceptional Children. (n.d.). About the HLPs.
https://highleveragepractices.org/about-hlps
National Association of Special Education Teachers. (n.d.). Code of ethics: Preamble - Statement of purpose.
https://www.naset.org/?id=2444
U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Parent guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student Privacy Policy Office. https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/resources/parent-guide-family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act-ferpa