Ethics Module #2

The number of inappropriate educator-student relationship investigations in Texas has increased by what percentage in the past seven years?

• 25%

• 50%

• 35%

• 10%

What are examples of types of boundary violations?

• Emotional

• Relationship

• Communication

• All of the above

Which of these social media actions can appear as grooming a student?

• Conducting social media interactions with a student under a cloak of secrecy

• Sending a student inappropriate jokes or pictures

• Sending a student frequent text messages to check on him/her or just to chat

• All of the above

If a teacher receives inappropriate messages from a student, he/she should:

• Explain to the student that the messages are inappropriate and must stop immediately.

• Notify a school administrator to seek help and support.

• Read self-help books in order to address the situation.

• A and B only

True or False: If the relationship is consensual, an improper sexual act between an educator and a student is legal.

• True

• False

True or False: Two major consequences an educator could face because of an inappropriate relationship with a student are the loss of his/her career and the loss of his/her freedom due to incarceration.

• True

• False

Standard 3.9 of the Educators’ Code of Ethics identifies factors that may be considered in assessing whether a social media communication is inappropriate. The factors include, but are not limited to:

• Whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a romantic relationship

• Whether the communication was sexually explicit

• The type of electronic or online social media platform used

• A and B only

True or False: When communicating online with a student, you represent not only yourself, but also your school district.

• True

• False

Suggested social media utilization guidelines include which of the following?

• Consider all electronic communication to be accessible and a matter of record.

• Follow the district’s policy for electronic and online communication with students.

• Choose appropriate subject matter and words that are courteous and professional.

• All of the above

Which strategies could schools implement to decrease and/or eliminate educator misconduct cases?

• Provide educator ethics training that focuses on appropriate use of social media.

• Weaken and miscommunicate district social media utilization policies and guidelines.

• Expand accountability for reporting incidents.

• Report suspected incidents when convenient.

• Acknowledge that schools will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for the misuse of social media.