Professional Roles, Ethics, and Collaboration in Physical Education
This domain tests ethical conduct, legal responsibilities, collaboration, and professional advocacy. Expect scenarios about confidentiality, boundaries, mandated reporting, and teamwork.
Core rules and concepts
- Confidentiality: educational records and IEP/504 information are shared only with those who need to know. FERPA protects education records; do not discuss students in public or on social media.
- Mandated reporting: suspected abuse or neglect must be reported promptly under state law and school policy. Do not investigate or promise secrecy.
- Professional boundaries: maintain appropriate relationships, avoid dual relationships, and use school communication channels. Physical contact should be purposeful, public, and consistent with safety.
- Collaboration: work with classroom teachers, special educators, therapists, nurses, and families; share goals and accommodations; document communication.
- Advocacy: promote quality physical education and physical activity using data, not just opinion; pursue professional development and follow the code of ethics.
Worked example
A colleague asks you to “just tell me” why a student has an IEP and what medications the student takes. You explain that you can share the accommodations needed for physical education but not the diagnosis or medical details. You offer to review the relevant safety and participation accommodations together.
Traps
Sharing IEP details in the staff lounge; posting student photos without consent; investigating a suspected abuse report; confusing friendship with professionalism; staying silent about unsafe practice.