ATC Texas School Law and Professional Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the T-TESS appraisal system in Texas?
- To evaluate teacher effectiveness and support professional growth through an aligned rubric (Correct answer)
- To rank teachers for merit-based pay only
- To determine which ATC candidates pass the program
- To document teacher disciplinary history
Correct answer: To evaluate teacher effectiveness and support professional growth through an aligned rubric
The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is a comprehensive appraisal framework designed to provide teachers with meaningful feedback and support ongoing professional development.
Question 2: Under the Texas Educator Code of Ethics, which of the following is a violation related to professional integrity?
- Misrepresenting one's credentials on a job application (Correct answer)
- Planning lessons aligned to TEKS
- Reporting suspected abuse immediately
- Attending required professional development
Correct answer: Misrepresenting one's credentials on a job application
The Texas Educator Code of Ethics §247.2(1)(B) prohibits making false statements about credentials or professional standing, and violations can result in certificate sanctions.
Question 3: What does due process require when a Texas school district proposes to terminate a probationary teacher's contract?
- Written notice of the proposed termination and an opportunity for a hearing (Correct answer)
- Immediate termination without any formal process for probationary staff
- Only a verbal notification from the principal
- A jury trial before removal
Correct answer: Written notice of the proposed termination and an opportunity for a hearing
Even probationary teachers have limited due process rights in Texas, including written notice and a hearing before the board or a hearing examiner prior to termination.
Question 4: What is the 'Duty to Report' requirement under TEC §21.006 for Texas educators?
- Educators must report to SBEC when they know another educator has engaged in misconduct involving a student (Correct answer)
- Educators must report all parent complaints to the TEA
- Teachers must report curriculum concerns to the SBOE annually
- ATC candidates must report program quality issues to their provider
Correct answer: Educators must report to SBEC when they know another educator has engaged in misconduct involving a student
TEC §21.006 requires Texas educators and administrators who know that a colleague has engaged in sexual misconduct or abuse with a student to report it to SBEC, even if the employee has resigned.
Question 5: Which principle of the Texas Educator Code of Ethics requires teachers to maintain appropriate boundaries with students online and through social media?
- Professional Relationships with Students — avoiding inappropriate personal communications (Correct answer)
- Academic Freedom in Digital Spaces
- Parent Communication Transparency Clause
- Student Data Privacy Principle
Correct answer: Professional Relationships with Students — avoiding inappropriate personal communications
The Code of Ethics prohibits educators from engaging in personal, non-work-related online communications with students that could blur professional boundaries or lead to inappropriate relationships.
Question 6: What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and what legal framework requires it in Texas?
- A written plan for a student with a disability outlining services and goals, required by IDEA (Correct answer)
- A voluntary enrichment plan for gifted students under the TEC
- An attendance improvement contract under TEC §25.085
- A teacher's professional development plan required by T-TESS
Correct answer: A written plan for a student with a disability outlining services and goals, required by IDEA
An IEP is a legally required document under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that specifies a student's present levels, annual goals, and special education services.
ATC Texas School Law and Professional Ethics 2
What is the purpose of the T-TESS appraisal system in Texas?