Speaking about delays.
June 8, 2008 - The Arkansas Education Association wants the state Board of Education to delay voting on a new code of ethics for Arkansas educators.
Why should wrongdoing be hidden just because someone admits it?
From 4029tv : (April 7, 2008) Teachers Shred Proposed Code of Conduct
There are standards in the Code of Conduct: [Emphasis ours]
1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom.
2. …maintains competency regarding skills, knowledge and dispositions concomitant to his/her organizational position,subject matter and /or pedagogical practice.
3. …honestly fulfills reporting and contractual obligations associated with professional practices.
4. …entrusted with public funds and property honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship.
5. …maintains integrity with students, colleagues, parents,patrons and businesses regarding gifts, gratuities, favors and additional compensation.
6. …keeps in confidence student records, personnel records, standardized test material and other information covered by confidentiality agreements.
7. …factually and appropriately presents the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and unauthorized / illegal drug use during the course of professional practice and in accordance with current state
law.
8. …abides by local, state and federal laws.
Professional Licensure Standards Board members are appointed by the state Department of Education and are "peers" of the educator. Members
June 9 - The Arkansas Board of Education approved the new code on Monday.
June 8, 2008 - The Arkansas Education Association wants the state Board of Education to delay voting on a new code of ethics for Arkansas educators.
The teachers union say they support the new code but wants the board to postpone implementing it so the Department of Education and school districts have time to inform teachers about it.TT - Not found at the story, the union objections are contained in a June 5, 2008 letter to Ms. Diane Tatum, Chairwoman of the Arkansas State Board of Education:
The AEA believes that later effective dates are necessary for the proper implementation of the Rules. The AEA is convinced that the Rules will work best if the Arkansas General Assembly passes two laws before they become effective.Subpoenas are a red herring. What they are advocating is an exemption from the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act for actions "when no final action is taken " so that when the educator - as many do in such hearings - opts for a settlement agreement that couples voluntary surrender of the teacher's license with nondisclosure, no one else will learn of the wrongdoing.
The Board needs the authority to issue subpoenas in licensure appeal hearings, and legislation is necessary to provide an exemption from the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act that prevents the public disclosure of investigative information and records upon which no final action has been taken. Both measures are essential to the effective and successful operation of the Rules.
Why should wrongdoing be hidden just because someone admits it?
From 4029tv : (April 7, 2008) Teachers Shred Proposed Code of Conduct
The 13 page document outlines the code of ethics, but teachers said they are afraid they could potentially lose their license for things like drinking a glass of wine or not paying their debts on time the way the code is written now.AND.
Many said they are worried the code is too broad and will make it too easy to revoke a teacher's license for moral matters.TT - The media rarely distinguishes between teachers in the classroom and the choreographed performance of union activists who may, or may not be, teachers.
There are standards in the Code of Conduct: [Emphasis ours]
1. An educator maintains a professional relationship with each student, both in and outside the classroom.
2. …maintains competency regarding skills, knowledge and dispositions concomitant to his/her organizational position,subject matter and /or pedagogical practice.
3. …honestly fulfills reporting and contractual obligations associated with professional practices.
4. …entrusted with public funds and property honors that trust with honest, responsible stewardship.
5. …maintains integrity with students, colleagues, parents,patrons and businesses regarding gifts, gratuities, favors and additional compensation.
6. …keeps in confidence student records, personnel records, standardized test material and other information covered by confidentiality agreements.
7. …factually and appropriately presents the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and unauthorized / illegal drug use during the course of professional practice and in accordance with current state
law.
8. …abides by local, state and federal laws.
Professional Licensure Standards Board members are appointed by the state Department of Education and are "peers" of the educator. Members
June 9 - The Arkansas Board of Education approved the new code on Monday.
