ATC Texas School Law and Professional Ethics

Question 1

Which Texas code contains the primary laws governing public school educators' conduct and responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Texas Education Code (TEC)

Answer

Texas Penal Code

Answer

Texas Family Code

Answer

Texas Administrative Code Title 19

Question 2

What is the Texas Educator Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

A set of professional standards adopted by SBEC governing ethical conduct of Texas educators

Answer

A district-level policy manual for teacher behavior

Answer

A federal mandate for all U.S. teachers

Answer

An optional guideline published by professional teacher unions

Question 3

Under Texas law, what must an educator do upon witnessing or having reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Report it immediately to law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS)

Answer

Report it to the campus principal who will decide whether to call CPS

Answer

Document the concern and report at the end of the school day

Answer

Only report if the student gives written permission

Question 4

What does FERPA protect in the context of Texas public schools?

Accepted Answer

The privacy of student education records

Answer

Teachers' personal employment files

Answer

School board meeting minutes

Answer

State assessment answer keys

Question 5

Which Texas law prohibits inappropriate educator-student relationships and requires reporting of suspected abuse by school staff?

Accepted Answer

Texas Education Code §21.12 and §38.004

Answer

Texas Administrative Code §149.1

Answer

Texas Government Code §552

Answer

Texas Labor Code §21.051

Question 6

What is the consequence for a Texas educator who fails to report known or suspected child abuse?

Accepted Answer

A criminal misdemeanor offense and potential loss of teaching certificate

Answer

A verbal warning from the principal

Answer

Reassignment to a different campus

Answer

A fine payable to the district