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

The Texas Education Code is the primary statutory authority governing public education in Texas, including educator rights, responsibilities, and student discipline.

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

The Texas Educator Code of Ethics, adopted by SBEC in 19 TAC §247.2, establishes binding ethical standards regarding professional relationships with students, colleagues, and the community.

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

Texas Family Code §261.101 makes educators mandatory reporters who must immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to CPS or law enforcement, with no requirement to notify the principal first.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The privacy of student education records

Answer

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the confidentiality of student educational records and grants parents and eligible students rights to access and amend those records.

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

TEC §21.12 criminalizes inappropriate relationships between educators and students, and §38.004 establishes the school-based child abuse reporting policy.

ATC - Alternative Teacher Certification Texas Practice Test

ATC - Alternative Teacher Certification Texas Practice Test

ATC Texas School Law and Professional Ethics