Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards

A teacher discovers a student has plagiarized an essay. According to professional ethics, what is the MOST appropriate first step?

Answer: Speak privately with the student to discuss the situation and consequences

Ethical practice requires addressing the issue directly with the student first to ensure due process before escalating.

Which of the following best describes a teacher's obligation regarding mandatory reporting under California law?

Answer: Teachers must report suspected child abuse to law enforcement or child protective services

California law designates teachers as mandated reporters who must personally report suspected child abuse to authorities.

A colleague asks you to share confidential student records to help plan a class party. What should you do?

Answer: Decline because FERPA protects student records from unauthorized disclosure

FERPA prohibits sharing student records for purposes unrelated to legitimate educational interests.

Which professional behavior best demonstrates adherence to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP)?

Answer: Engaging in ongoing professional learning to improve practice

The CSTP explicitly calls for teachers to pursue continuous professional growth beyond mandated requirements.

A student discloses abuse during a private conversation and begs the teacher to keep it secret. The teacher should:

Answer: Report the abuse and inform the student that reporting is legally required

A teacher's mandatory reporting obligation supersedes confidentiality promises and must be fulfilled regardless of the student's request.

A teacher posts photos of students on a personal social media account without parental consent. This action primarily violates:

Answer: Student privacy rights under FERPA and district social media policies

Posting student images without consent violates FERPA privacy rights and typical district social media policies.

Which scenario represents a conflict of interest that a teacher must disclose or avoid?

Answer: Recommending a textbook the teacher helped author without disclosure

Recommending materials from which a teacher financially benefits without disclosure is a conflict of interest violating professional ethics.