This document discusses key ethical principles and considerations in education, including academic freedom, confidentiality, integrity, plagiarism, and mandatory reporting. It outlines theoretical approaches to ethics like virtue ethics and utilitarianism. Principles for ethical decision making include selflessness, integrity, and assuming best intentions. Special education requires protecting student privacy and ensuring informed consent and least restrictive environments. Educators must also address ethics around technology, social media, diverse student backgrounds, and preventing bullying and favoritism to achieve positive student outcomes.

1. Presentation 2023
Andrea Larson
Cortnee Kleidon
Kennette Renfroe
Melina Arguelles
Nicole Tekala
University of Phoenix
CUR 525
Kenneth Best
October 23, 2023
Ethics in
Education

2. Key Terms
● Academic Freedom: Principle that educators and students have the right to explore, discuss, and engage in intellectual
pursuits without censorship or undue interference.
● Code of Conduct: Set of rules and guidelines that outline expected behavior and ethical standards within an institution
● Confidentiality: the duty to keep sensitive information private and secure.
● Due Process: Involves ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and with procedural fairness before any adverse actions
are taken against them.
● FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Federal law in the United States that protects the privacy of student
education records.
● Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
● Plagiarism: The act of using someone else's words, ideas, or work without permission.
● Mandatory Reporting: The legal and ethical obligation of certain individuals to report specific issues, such as child abuse or
neglect, to designated authorities.
● Title IX: Federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and
activities.
● 504 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act): Federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in
federally funded programs.

3. Theoretical Background
● Virtue ethics: Emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits in individuals.
○ In education, this could mean cultivating moral virtues in both educators and students. Educators are encouraged to
model and nurture virtues which contribute to a positive and ethical learning environment.
● Utilitarianism: Emphasizes promoting the greatest good for the greatest number of stakeholders.
○ In education, this could means educators aim to maximize overall well-being, learning outcomes, and opportunities for
all students (tier 1 instruction).
● Deontology: Focuses on acting in accordance with moral principles, regardless of the consequences.
○ In education, this could mean educators are expected to adhere to ethical standards, such integrity and respect for
students' rights, even when faced with challenging situations. Educators must uphold fundamental ethical principles
and professional codes of conduct.
Ethical principles in education are rooted in various normative ethical theories, such as:

4. Decision Making
Principles
Professional principles for ethical leaders in education include selflessness,
integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
(Bradley University. N.d). Another important principle when making
decisions is to assume best intentions when approaching coworkers about
an ethical dilemma. As leaders, we want to build healthy relationships with
both students, staff, and the community so this needs to be kept in mind
when decision making.

5. Sales
Best
Practices
• Perseverance
• Honesty
• Respect
• Lawfulness
• Fairness
• Patience
• Without prejudice or
favoritism

6. Considerations in Special
Education
❖ Primary ethical concern: Protecting the privacy of student
with disability protecting the privacy of their educational
plan
❖ Informed Consent
❖ Confidentiality is kept at all times
❖ Policies for students with special needs and or disabilities
must be included in parent handbook
❖ Respect for diversity
❖ Least Restrictive Environment
❖ Individualized Education Plans
❖ Collaboration and Communication

7. Social Media
and Technology
Social media and technology are an integral aspect of
today society. It is imperative that educators take an
active role in preparing students to understand their
ethical obligations while utilizing both social media and
technology. This includes but is not limited to:
● Copyright and intellectual property
● Citations
● Cyber Bullying
● Responsibility
“85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030
haven't been invented yet" (Dell Technologies,
2017).

8. Diverse Student Backgrounds
Each student comes with their own background skills and knowledge that will benefit
them in their lives. Conversely, students will also have individual struggles and
hardships that can have a negative impact on student achievement. Educators are
tasked with providing quality education to all students despite outside factors that
include but are not limited to:
❖ Socioeconomic background
❖ Creed
❖ Political affiliation
❖ Family
❖ Housing status
❖ Citizenship
It is ethically imperative that all students be treated fairly and given equitable access to
educational opportunities.

9. Positive Outcomes
Teachers must model strong character traits, including perseverance, honesty,
respect, lawfulness, fairness, patience, and unity. As an educator, teachers must treat
every student with kindness and respect without showing any favoritism, prejudice or
partiality (Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC, 2020).
● Students have good role model
● Students mimic their role models
● Students feel valued and respected
● Students want to do well in school
● Student behaviors are minimal
Image from: (Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC, 2020).

10. Negative Outcomes
Main Ethical Issues in Education
● Social Inequity
● Cheating / Plagiarism
● Special Treatment
● Grading Exams
● Bullying
● Uniforms
(Copyleaks, 2020).
Image from: https://images.app.goo.gl/SYt4QaFBq8V1vDDY8

11. References
❖ Bradley University. (n.d.). Ethical Leadership in Education: Resources for Developing Future
Education Leaders. https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/ethical-leadership-in-
education/#:~:text=Professional%20principles%20for%20ethical%20leaders,%2C%20servic
e%2C%20courage%20and%20optimism.
❖ Copyleaks. (2020, February 3). Ethical Issues in Education.
https://copyleaks.com/blog/ethical-issues-in-education
❖ Hanson, J. (n.d.). Special Education Ethics - CEC Code of Ethics. Special Education
Journey. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://special-education-journey.com/special-
education-ethics/
❖ Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC. (2020, July 27). The Code of Ethics for
Educators. https://pgui.com/the-code-of-ethics-for-
educators/#:~:text=Teachers%20must%20model%20strong%20character,any%20favorit
ism%2C%20prejudice%20or%20partiality.