Professional Development & Ethics Flashcards

Which behavior violates FERPA as it applies to teaching assistants?

Answer: Sharing a student's disability status with another student's parents

Sharing a student's disability status or other educational records with unauthorized parties violates FERPA privacy protections.

A TA wants to photograph students engaged in a classroom project to share on the school's official social media page. The TA should:

Answer: Obtain proper consent in accordance with district photo/media policy first

Publishing student images requires consent aligned with district media policy, regardless of the positive intent.

What is the MOST effective way for a TA to build a positive working relationship with the lead teacher?

Answer: Communicating openly, following directives, and seeking feedback regularly

Open communication, cooperation, and regular feedback-seeking create a collaborative partnership that benefits students.

Which action demonstrates that a TA understands the limits of their professional role?

Answer: Informing the teacher of observed behaviors and leaving formal assessment to specialists

TAs observe and report; formal diagnoses, assessments, and IEP changes are the responsibilities of licensed professionals.

A TA receives a friend request from a current student on personal social media. The appropriate response is to:

Answer: Decline and follow district social media policy regarding student-staff contact

District policies typically prohibit personal social media connections between staff and students to maintain professional boundaries.

How does a growth mindset benefit a teaching assistant's professional practice?

Answer: It motivates TAs to view challenges as learning opportunities and continually improve

A growth mindset drives continuous improvement by reframing difficulties as development opportunities rather than fixed limitations.

Which is an appropriate way for a TA to maintain self-care and avoid burnout?

Answer: Setting boundaries around workload and seeking support when overwhelmed

Setting healthy workload boundaries and seeking support when needed sustains long-term effectiveness and well-being.