Standard 3: An educator honestly fulfills reporting obligations associated with professional practices.

Guidance (Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators, 2022): This standard covers those situations where there is an intentional or knowing attempt to deceive or mislead an educational entity. Honest errors or mistakes or inaccuracies are not intended to be encompassed by this standard. To uphold this standard and educator should be honest when reporting data and information to the DESE, the Arkansas Legislative Audit, the Arkansas State Board of Education, and other state and federal governmental agencies. Honestly reporting grades is also a part of this standard. It is also important that an educator honor this standard when giving information to recommend an individual for employment, promotion, or licensure as well as when reporting professional qualifications, criminal history, college credits and degrees, awards, and employment history. Similarly the failure to timely submit information covers those situations where there is a knowing failure to submit or provide information. The State Board of Education may take direct action to revoke, suspend, or place on probation an educator whose conduct violates Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-410(d)(1)(A)(vii) and (viii) without submission of an ethics complaint. It is important to note that noncompliance with mandated child abuse reporting laws also falls within this standard.

Discuss: Mr. S was given the opportunity to coach the boys’ track team, provided he receives a coaching permit prior to the first day of the season. A former track star himself, Mr. S assumed that he was fully qualified but failed to apply for the permit in a timely manner. Two weeks prior to the start of the season, after being questioned by the school’s athletic director, Mr. S submitted his application for a coaching permit. During the application process he noticed that his CPR card had expired, so he immediately registered for the next available workshop. However, in order to “expedite” the application process, he changed the dates on his old card to make it appear valid, figuring that he would eventually meet this requirement.

What possible issues/concerns might this scenario raise?

How could this situation become a violation of the law, the Code of Ethics or other school /district policies?

In this situation, what are some potential negative consequences for the teacher, for the students and the school community?

What responses/actions will result in a more positive outcome and/or what proactive measures might be taken?

Scenario and questions used by permission from the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility Training Guide.