Ethics Assessments: Applying the Code to Scenarios
What these tests measure
The Georgia educator ethics assessment tests your knowledge and application of the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators. The code is organized into standards covering legal compliance, conduct with students, alcohol and drugs, honesty, public funds and property, remunerative conduct, confidential information, abandonment of contract, required reports, and professional conduct. Items present a realistic scenario and ask whether it is a breach and what the educator should do.
Concepts to know
- Mandatory reporting duties: suspected child abuse or neglect, testing irregularities, and certain employee misconduct go to designated authorities, not just a supervisor.
- Appropriate boundaries with students, including digital communication and social media.
- Confidentiality rules such as FERPA, and their limits.
- Gifts, private tutoring for pay, use of school property and supplies, and outside employment conflicts.
- Contract obligations and the consequences of abandoning a contract.
Traps
The most common wrong answer uses confidentiality as a reason not to report. Others are "handle it informally," "wait for more evidence," and "it isn't my responsibility." Remember that the act, not the intent, often determines whether a standard is violated.
Rule of thumb
When a student's safety or a mandatory report is involved, report immediately through the designated channel; document facts and do not investigate on your own.
Worked example: A colleague shows you a student's disciplinary file out of curiosity. You may not view or discuss it; access must be based on legitimate educational interest, and you should report the improper access rather than join the conversation.