Professional And Ethical Reflection Review

Professional And Ethical Reflectionreview The Council For Exceptional

Review the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Education Professional Ethics Principles and the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) Code of Ethics. Then visit Voicethread: Ethics and Responsibilities. If you cannot see the video in VoiceThread or need closed captioning, view it on YouTube: Student Privacy 101: FERPA for Parents and Students. Your initial post requires responding to two discussion prompts based on the video and readings, to be posted on VoiceThread. For each question, cite support from the readings and instructor guidance from Week Six, explaining: 1) How FERPA relates directly to the CEC and NASET standards of ethics for special educators; and 2) what characteristics and behaviors will make you stand out as an ethical teacher. Include your name and the words “See VoiceThread” in the subject line and comments section of your post. Responses to classmates should endorse, question, or refute their viewpoints with citations from the CEC or NASET Code of Ethics, and engagement beyond the initial replies is encouraged for deeper learning and demonstration of critical thinking.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of special education, ethical standards serve as the foundation for professional conduct, ensuring that educators uphold the integrity, privacy, and rights of their students. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) have established comprehensive ethical frameworks that guide educators in maintaining professional integrity. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) intertwines significantly with these standards, emphasizing the importance of student privacy and data confidentiality. This paper explores the relationship between FERPA and the ethics policies of CEC and NASET, alongside personal characteristics that set educators apart as ethical professionals.

FERPA and Its Relationship to CEC and NASET Standards

FERPA, enacted in 1974, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, granting parents and eligible students rights over their educational data (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). For special educators, FERPA's provisions are directly aligned with ethical responsibilities outlined by both CEC and NASET. The CEC Code of Ethics emphasizes the primacy of protecting student confidentiality, advocating for educators to handle student information responsibly and ethically (CEC, 2015). Similarly, NASET's Code underscores the importance of safeguarding student data, promoting transparency, and respecting student privacy rights (NASET, 2020). Both organizations recognize that maintaining confidentiality is fundamental to fostering trust, promoting a safe learning environment, and respecting students' dignity.

Specifically, these ethics codes reinforce that educators must educate themselves about legal obligations related to student information, handle records with care, and only share data with authorized individuals (CEC, 2015; NASET, 2020). FERPA operationalizes these principles by establishing clear guidelines that prevent unauthorized disclosure of educational records, which is an extension of the ethical mandate to respect student privacy. Consequently, adherence to FERPA ensures that special educators not only comply with legal mandates but also uphold the ethical standards to which they are committed under the professional codes.

Characteristics and Behaviors of an Ethical Teacher

Standing out as an ethical teacher requires embodying specific characteristics and behaviors that demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to students' well-being. Among these traits, honesty and transparency are paramount; ethical educators communicate openly with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering trust and clarity (Wendl & Lawless, 2015). Demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity ensures that teachers respect diverse backgrounds and individual learning needs, creating an inclusive environment conducive to growth (Banks, 2019).

Furthermore, consistency in applying ethical principles, such as confidentiality and fairness, adds to a teacher's reputation as trustworthy and principled. These behaviors include adhering rigorously to confidentiality protocols, being punctual and reliable, and consistently advocating for students' rights and needs. An ethical teacher also models professionalism through continuous personal development, staying informed about legal and ethical standards, and engaging in reflective practices to ensure their teaching aligns with best practices (Lynch & Balsley, 2020). These qualities foster a classroom culture grounded in respect, trust, and integrity, which are essential for effective teaching and positive student outcomes.

Ultimately, a standout ethical educator acts as a moral exemplar, demonstrating honesty, fairness, compassion, and responsibility in all interactions. By integrating these traits with adherence to laws like FERPA and professional codes like CEC and NASET, teachers cultivate an environment where ethical standards underpin every aspect of their practice.

Conclusion

Legal frameworks such as FERPA directly support the ethical mandates outlined by professional organizations like CEC and NASET, collectively emphasizing the importance of protecting student privacy and fostering trust. An ethical teacher distinguishes themselves through characteristics such as honesty, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism, consistently demonstrating behaviors that prioritize student dignity and confidentiality. By adhering to these standards and embodying these qualities, educators not only comply with legal and ethical obligations but also elevate the integrity of the teaching profession, ultimately benefitting students and the broader educational community.

References

• Banks, J. A. (2019). An Introduction to Multicultural Education (6th ed.). Pearson.
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). (2015). Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Retrieved from https://www.cec.sped.org/
• Lynch, K., & Balsley, L. (2020). Ethical practices in special education: A guide for teachers. Routledge.
• National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). (2020). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.naset.org/
• U.S. Department of Education. (2022). Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
• Wendl, C. M., & Lawless, K. (2015). Ethical issues in education: An overview. Journal of Educational Thought, 49(2), 145-160.