Educational Ethical Framework
Recognize if there is an issue
What am I sensing? (hearing, seeing, have a gut feeling about)
stop, pause, observe
Is it something that could harm someone?
urgency
Does it involve students? Teachers/professionals? Myself? The school? The community? A family?
Who
When and where is the issue occuring? School hours? On school property? Off school property?
Where and When
Is the issue real or a perception?
accuracy?
Gather information
Yes?
Be respectful
Do not be intrusive
Do not let my own feelings/history get in the way
Check my own biases and prejudices
Do not violate privacy or confidentiality unless warranted
What is the aim? Common good? Correction? Equality?
No?
Would gathering information "interfere with an investigation?"
Look at https://bit.ly/3xldMAS - considerations in mandated reporting
Is there someone else that is better suited to gather information? If so, should I inform them?
Evaluate my options
Do I document only?
Where do I document?
Is it my role to do anything?
Do I approach student?
Be mindful of their age
Do I approach colleague?
How much do I disclose?
Do I approach family?
How much do I disclose?
Do I approach an outside agency?
How much do I disclose?
Have I considered the possible outcomes of my actions or nonactions?
Think about what I may not know
Ideal outcome?
Possible legal or professional outcomes?
How do I move forward?
Be in the right frame of mind
Look at KSDE Educator Code of Conduct for guidance
Conclusion/Reflection
What went well?
What would I do differenty?
Do I need to add to any of my documentation?
Is there any type of follow-up I should do?
Action plan - make a decision
Review the factors to make an ethical decision
Be clear/precise
Check my own perceptions
Make the best decision I can
Be confident
Be considerate
Be careful
What supports my actions? What references do I consider?
Philosophical principles
Brown University. A Framework for Making Ethical Decisions https://www.brown.edu/academics/science-and-technology-studies/framework-making-ethical-decisions
Schenk, Katie and Jan Williamson. 2005. Ethical Approaches to Gathering
Information from Children and Adolescents in International Settings: Guidelines and Resources.
Washington, DC: Population Council. https://www.popcouncil.org/uploads/pdfs/horizons/childrenethics.pdf
University, S.C. A Framework for Ethical Decision Making. Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/
Model Code of Ethics for Educators