Georgia Professional Standards Commission The Code of Ethics

Georgia Professional Standards Commission The Code of Ethics for Georgia Educators 2015 -16

Professional Standards Commission Certification Educator Preparation Ethics 2

Legal Authority of the PSC Ethics Division

20 -2 -984. 1. Adoption of a Code of Ethics. (a) It shall be the duty of the commission to adopt standards of performance and a code of ethics for educators… which are generally accepted by educators of this state.

Code of Ethics Code of “Common Sense”

20 -2 -984. 1. Adoption of a Code of Ethics. The standards of performance and code of ethics adopted by the commission shall be limited to professional performance and professional ethics. The PSC does not care what you do in you personal lives as long as it does not carryover into your professional lives.

Definition of Educator 20 -2 -982. 1. (2) "Educator" means education personnel who hold, have applied for, or been denied certificates, permits, or other certification documents issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Standard 1 Legal Compliance

Standard 1 An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes.

Legal Compliance Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the commission or conviction of: • a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude. • any criminal offense involving a controlled substance or marijuana. • any sexual offense specified in Code Section 16. • any laws applicable to the profession.

Standard #1 Legal Compliance Ø The Educator and her husband were arrested and charged with felony Cruelty to Children-Deprivation of Necessary Sustenance in the 1 st Degree. The offense is still pending adjudication. The Educator failed to provide documentation requested by the PSC Investigator Ø Revoked.

Standard #1 Legal Compliance Ø The Educator was arrested for Theft by Shoplifting while holding a valid PSC paraprofessional certificate. Subsequently, the Educator was sentenced to 20 hours of community service, take a shoplifting/theft education class, and pay a fine of $300 under a pretrial diversion program Ø Suspend 20 Days

Conduct with Students

Standard 2 An educator shall always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom.

A student is anyone under the age of 18.

OR, a student enrolled in grades Pre-K to 12 in a public or private school.

For the purposes of the Code of Ethics, the enrollment period for a graduating student ends on August 31 of the year of graduation.

n io t Sexual Abuse a c of Students o v e R

Young people instinctively recognize these boundary violations and often nickname the employee engaged in such violations a “pervert, ” based on their perceived sense of inappropriateness. Mary Jo Mc. Grath

Standard #2 Conduct With Students Ø Paraprofessionals 1 and 2 stated that the Educator had a history of abusing (spanking) students. In her most recent incident, the Educator took a student behind a bookcase and spanked him with a ruler. Even though she could not be seen, the paraprofessionals could hear the screams and the sound of hitting the student. The principal saw the red marks on the student’s arms Ø Suspend 2 Years

Standard #2 Conduct With Students Ø The Educator admitted he developed a close relationship with a sixth grade student. He admitted to hugging her, kissing her on the forehead, and walking her to her other classes. Later, through his attorney, he denied kissing her. Letters to the Educator professing her love for him were found in the Educator’s desk drawer Ø Revoked

Student Relationship Guidelines Be Friendly, Not a Friend.

Student Relationship Guidelines Choose Appropriate Settings

Standard 3 Alcohol or Drugs

Standard 3 An educator shall refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice.

Alcohol Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 2. being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages.

20 -2 -984. 1. The … code of ethics … shall be limited to professional performance and professional ethics.

Standard #3 Drugs and Alcohol Ø During an end of the year program, the Educator displayed unusual behavior in front of the students. The Educator agreed to a drug screening, which revealed a positive reading for marijuana and hydrocodone. The Educator did not possess a prescription for the drug at the time of screening. Ø Suspend 2 Years

Standard #3 Drugs and Alcohol Ø The Educator met with her Principal and A. P. at 6: 45 for her annual performance review. During the meeting the principal noticed an odor of alcohol and that the Educator seemed disorganized and unable to collect her thoughts. The Educator declined to submit to a drug screening but did admit to consuming a bottle of wine the previous evening Ø Suspend 1 Year

Question Ø How many Educators are guilty of going to a restaurant on a Friday evening and consuming a bottle of beer or a glass of wine with their meal, and then going to a high school football game? Ø What level of intoxication is acceptable when an educator is interacting with students or community members at school events?

Standard 4 Honesty

Standard 4 An educator shall exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice.

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 1. professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history;

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 2. information submitted to federal, state, local school districts and other governmental agencies;

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 3. information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel;

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 4. reasons for absences or leaves;

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 5. information submitted in the course of an official inquiry/investigation; and

Honesty Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting: 6. information submitted in the course of professional practice.

Standard #4 Honesty Ø The Educator failed to disclose on a 2010 application for certification renewal having two bad check offenses (2004, 2006) which occurred while she held a valid PSC certificate. The matter was not submitted for PSC to review until it was discovered by her employing school system in 2014 Ø Suspend 5 Days

Standard #4 Honesty Ø The Educator falsified student data used for monitoring and tracking the progress of SWD. During a review of the Educator’s student data collection binder, the principal found at least 80 data points were falsified. Data was entered for some students during holidays and during days when the Educator was absent. The Educator indicated she made some careless errors Ø Suspend 90 Days

Standard 5 Public Funds & Property

Standard 5 An educator entrusted with public funds and property shall honor that trust with a high level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility.

Public Funds & Property Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. misusing public or school-related funds; failing to account for funds collected from students or parents; submitting fraudulent requests or documentation for reimbursement of expenses or for pay; co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts; and using school property without the approval of the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee.

Standard #5 Public Funds and Property Ø The Educator’s school computer was used to access inappropriate content on multiple days from 12/15/14 thru 1/6/15. The Educator’s attorney provided the PSC with an affidavit asserting a house guest was responsible for the inappropriate use. The house guest was interviewed by the PSC. He stated that after being pressured he signed the affidavit, but the content was not true Ø Revoke

Standard #5 Public Funds and Property Ø The Educator admitted that she sold items donated for student use (coupons for pizza, Six Flag tickets, etc. ) on e. Bay through her personal account. The school system’s investigator estimated the Educator made a profit of approximately $300 Ø Suspend 1 Year

Standard 6 Remunerative Conduct

Standard 6 An educator shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation.

Standard #6 Remunerative Conduct Ø A parent reported the Educator was charging to tutor students after school during the last half hour of the work day. The Educator initially denied she was charging the students. The parent then provided text messages sent by the teacher telling parents not to tell the administrators. The Educator was suspended and given a letter of direction. She continued to tutor for money Ø Suspend 1 Year

Standard # 6 Remunerative Conduct Ø The investigation conducted by the school system established that the Educator promoted a nutritional supplement to students at school. This included providing free samples, and offering student a commission for any supplements sold. The Educator had a financial interest in the product. Ø Revoke

Standard 7 Confidential Information

Standard 7 An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information.

• • • Confidential Information Annual performance evaluation records of school personnel Health services provided to an insured Individual student performance data, information and reports School records of students with disabilities A student's education record

Standard # 7 Confidential Information Ø The Educator admitted on one or two occasions he allowed a student to enter grades into the school database. During the investigation, it was discovered that the student not only entered grades on several occasions, but was allowed to correct papers and assign grades. The student was also allowed to use the school computer for online shopping

Standard # 7 Confidential Information Ø The Educator admitted he received a copy of a fellow teacher’s grading record and turned over the student grades to a reporter. The principal had changed the grades of the fellow teacher’s students for legitimate reasons. Ø Revoke

Standard 8 Abandonment of Contract

An educator shall fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or education agency for the duration of the contract.

Abandonment of Contract Ø The PSC expects educators to honor their contracts. Ø The PSC has identified circumstances that warrant educators leaving their contracted positions without a release. Ø Educators and systems are expected to act professionally and make every effort to minimize the effect on the students experiencing the loss.

Standard #8 Abandonment of Contract Ø The Educator left her job the same day she submitted her letter of resignation. She did not respond to the request from the Superintendent to give a 30 day notice so a replacement could be located. The Educator said extra duties had been added to her job and she was too overwhelmed to continue Ø Suspend 90 Days

Standard #8 Abandonment of Contract Ø The Educator signed an employment contract FY 2015 and then requested to be released from the contract to take a position in a neighboring county which was closer to her residence. The request was denied. Subsequently she filed a second request citing medical issues. In all, she filed 4 requests, which were denied. She was charged $2014 in liquidated damages and reported to the PSC Ø Reprimand

Standard 9 Required Reports

An educator shall file reports of a breach of one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators, child abuse, or any other required report.

O. C. G. A. § 19 -7 -5 ‘Child abuse’ includes the following conduct by a child’s parent or caretaker: § Physical injury or death (by other than accidental means) § Neglect or exploitation of a child § Sexual abuse - an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification. . . § Sexual exploitation - allows, permits, encourages, or requires a child to engage in prostitution or sexually explicit conduct ….

20 -2 -1184 Any employee of a public or private elementary or secondary school. . . who has reasonable cause to believe that a student at that school has committed any of the following acts upon school property or at any school function, shall immediately report the act and the name of the student to the principal or the principal's designee. l l l l Aggravated assault involving a firearm; Aggravated battery; Sexual offenses; Carrying a deadly weapons at public gatherings; Carrying weapons at school; Illegal possession of a pistol or revolver by a person under 18 Possession or any use of marijuana and controlled substances, The principal. . . shall make an oral report thereof immediately by telephone or otherwise to the appropriate school system superintendent and to the appropriate police authority and district attorney. Any person who fails to make a report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Standard # 9 Required Reports Ø The Educator admitted a student disclosed that he had been whipped by his grandmother with an extension cord and a hanger and was then shown a scar on his arm that was allegedly caused by abuse. The Educator typed the abuse report but failed to submit the report to anyone for two days because it got lost under some papers Ø Suspend 90 Days

Standard # 9 Required Reports Ø The Educator was employed as a high school principal. A counselor reported to him in the fall that she had her rumors of an inappropriate relationship between the a teacher and a student. Previously, a school secretary had reported a similar rumor to him. Two years later, the teacher was arrested and charged with 3 counts of sexual assault. Ø Revoke

Standard 10 Professional Conduct

Standard 10 An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards and preserves the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession.

Standard #10 Professional Conduct Ø The Educator admitted he and a student engaged in a shouting match and exchanged inappropriate language and profanity. The incident was recorded by another student with his cell phone Ø Suspend 20 Days

Standard #10 Professional Conduct Ø Multiple students in the Educator’s classroom recalled him making derogatory comments towards students. The comments included “pea-brain, stupid, crazy, and ignorant. Several students also said the Educator used profanity Ø Suspend 10 Days

Standard 11 Testing

Standard 11 An educator shall administer state mandated assessments fairly and ethically.

Georgia Not Only State With Questionable Test Scores 72

Nationwide Problem Ø Over 196 of the largest 3, 125 school systems in the United States has suspect test score improvement Ø Odds of obtaining these reported results by chance alone is over 1000 to 1 Ø In 33 of these school systems, the odds were worse than 1, 000 to 1 73

Testing Ø United States spends $760, 000 a year on testing required by NCLB Ø States are left to their own in monitoring the testing Ø Most states do not have resources to conduct investigations of this magnitude Ø One graduate student, in her dissertation, surveyed teachers in her state and found that 50% of teachers either had cheated or knew a colleague who had cheated 74 74

With a good testing program: Ø Students know the skills and knowledge they have mastered and how they compare to others. Ø Parents can evaluate whether their children are obtaining the skills and knowledge they need. Ø Teachers can determine if students have mastered the skills and knowledge needed to advance to the next level. Ø Community members have a measuring stick for student performance.

Major Testing Violations Ø Breach of Test Security Ø Fail to provide or attend training Ø Fail to follow directions specified in the manual Ø Coach, prompt, alter or provide answers to students during the test Ø Interpret, explain, or paraphrase test items Ø Copy or take notes on test items 76

Standard # 11 Testing Ø The Educator whispered to the proctor during the CRCT and made facial gestures at some of the students , which they interpreted as meaning they had the wrong answers. A total of 15 students were coded as irregularities and 5 tests were invalidated. Ø Suspend 2 Years

Standard # 11 Ø The Educator admits she misinterpreted eligibility guidelines for students who were taking the CRCT-M with the results being 9 students were not eligible for the modified version that was administered to them. The Ga. DOE invalidated the results Ø Suspend 90 Days

Teacher’s Role Ø Attend training Ø Ensures security of test booklets before, during, and after testing Ø Follow directions Ø Arrange seats to promote individual work Ø Circulate about the classroom to prevent cheating and other violations Ø Be familiar with allowable student accommodations 79 Ø Account for all testing materials

Lessons Learned Ø Establish an environment conducive to student learning and test score improvement Ø Require training for all participants with similar information and format at all training sessions Ø Require available staff to monitor during testing Ø Test security is paramount 80

Lessons Learned Ø Investigate allegations and complaints thoroughly - consider involvement of outside investigators Ø Large increases in student test scores are a red flag Ø Having knowledge of testing violations and failing to report jeopardizes teaching certificate Ø Superintendents, Principals, and Test Coordinators are ultimately responsible 81

Other Grounds for Disciplinary Action against a Certificate

Other Grounds for Disciplinary Action: Suspension or revocation of any professional license or certificate. Ø Violation of laws and rules applicable to the profession. Ø Any other good and sufficient cause that renders an educator unfit for employment as an educator. Ø

Enforcing Sanctions The superintendent and the superintendent’s designee for certification shall be responsible for assuring that an individual whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or suspended is not employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Both the superintendent and the superintendent’s designee must hold GAPSC certification.

Year Denied Revoked Voluntary Total Surrender FY 2005 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 25 42 23 33 25 13 18 18 14 18 26 93 72 76 54 71 67 58 92 86 99 81 22 17 26 16 27 28 20 25 28 26 29 140 131 125 103 123 108 96 135 128 143 136

Sanctions-June, 2014 -June 2015 Ø Legal compliance-41 Ø Conduct with Students-82 Ø Alcohol and Drugs-22 Ø Honesty-76 Ø Public Funds and Property-19 Ø Remunerative Conduct-2 Ø Confidential Information-3 86

Sanctions Ø Abandonment of Contract-3 Ø Required Reports-11 Ø Professional Conduct-52 Ø Testing-26 Ø Total-337 87

RESA Totals FY 2015 Ø CSRA-31 Ø Chattahoochee-30 Ø Coastal Plains-34 Ø First District-70 Ø Griffin-59 Ø Heart of Georgia-6 Ø Metro-289 Ø Middle Georgia-45 Ø North Georgia-34 FY 2014 Ø CSRA-72 Ø Chattahoochee-30 Ø Coastal Plains-31 Ø First District-124 Ø Griffin-53 Ø Heart of Georgia-12 Ø Metro-317 Ø Middle Georgia-51 Ø North Georgia-28

RESA Totals FY 2015 Ø NE Georgia-29 Ø NW Georgia-36 Ø Oconee-12 Ø Okefenokee-14 Ø Pioneer-16 Ø SW Georgia-30 Ø West Georgia-26 Ø RESA Avg-48 Ø RESA Total-761 FY 2014 Ø NE Georgia-64 Ø NW Georgia-53 Ø Oconee-10 Ø Okefenokee-10 Ø Pioneer-34 Ø SW Georgia-45 Ø West Georgia-18 Ø RESA Avg-60 Ø RESA Total-955

Open Cases by RESA Teachers Listed on CPI Report 2015 Ø CSRA-. 0063 Ø Chattahoochee-. 0094 Ø Coastal Plains-. 0097 Ø First District-. 0083 Ø Griffin-. 0088 Ø Heart of Ga. -. 0042 Ø Metro-. 0068 Ø Middle Ga. -. 0100 2015 Ø North Ga. -. 0070 Ø NE Ga. -. 0058 Ø NW Ga. -. 0050 Ø Oconee-. 0123 Ø Okefenokee-. 0077 Ø Pioneer-. 0032 Ø SW Ga. -. 0085 Ø W. Ga. -. 0065 Ø Avg. -. 0070

ADVICE Ø Take testing seriously Ø Be friendly but not a friend to the students —you are not their friend but their supervisor and role model Ø Honesty and Integrity are important Ø Educators are held to higher standards Ø Educators are mandated reporters if they are aware of violations of Code of Ethics Ø Do not interact with students via social media 91

Contact Information Ø Paul A. Shaw Ø Email-paul. shaw@gapsc. com Ø Phone #-404 -232 -2635