I. Introduction
I want to think about how the new ethical code will be crucial for advancing education, guaranteeing professionalism, and preventing sexual misconduct in educational settings. Alaska educators unanimously approved commissioning the processing of the ethical code, according to Dispatch (Hanlon 1).
1.1 Expanding the Scope of Sexual Misconduct
The main initiatives that need to be put into place include expanding the scope of sexual misconduct and making sure that students of all sexes, ethnicities, and nationalities are not subjected to discrimination.
1.2 Language and Proper Behavior
Other elements that are viewed as sexual assault include the language that must be used when speaking with coworkers and students. Additionally, the code of conduct outlined the proper behaviour for professional educators in a classroom.
II. Changes Proposed by the New Code
The existing commission has been influential in ensuring that laws were passed on the rules to be followed when imposing sanctions on person who defy the code. However, the current code of conduct stipulates that a student is prohibited against abuse of another student or engage in sexual misconduct with a colleague. This does not apply students who have graduated. Under the newly proposed code of ethics, the rules have been changed to impact on both the current students and those that have graduated one year after a former student has graduated.
2.1 Expanding the Definition of Sexual Misconduct
These proposed changes explicitly explain what sexual misconduct is. Under the new system, sexual misconduct will include flirtatious and other sexually related comments such as sexual kidding and teasing.
III. Implementation and Implications
The new code has been put into practice in a number of institutions in the state. For instance, in February 2017, the University of Alaska reopened 23 sexual assault cases within its three campuses. Following the new code, the federal office came to a conclusion that a number of cases have been neglected in the old system would be reopened.
3.1 Statewide Database and Reporting
In many cases, the university did not file complaints on the issue because it did not fall under the bracket of sexual misconduct. More so, the ethics code has come up with a series of statewide database that can be used to consolidate the cases reported in order to enhance ease in tracking and reporting.
3.2 Virtual Education Hub and School Consolidation
Also, the new bill in the Alaska senate will create a virtual education hub. Sponsored by the senate education committee, the Bill will ensure that an online database is created to help train teachers and teachers in virtual construction. Among other factors discuss was the education bill from the Senate could create a virtual education hub and at the same time push for school consolidation. This will play part in monitoring of any social misconduct with the school system.
3.3 Training on Sexual Harassment Laws
Other measures brought about by the establishment of this framework includes more training on sexual harassment laws and how to deal with such cases. Revising policies and procedures have also been formulated to serve this purpose. It is important to note that this new development affects all stakeholders in schools. Among other key ethical issues to be taken into factor include gender issues, race, sex, national, marital status, religious and political beliefs. Also, this nondiscrimination policy covers all kinds of biased concerns as a result of human differences.
IV. Principles for Professional Educators
On another new angle, the ethics code also covers a number of general concerns that professional educators should take into factor:
4.1 Dealing with Students
The educator should deal considerately with each student. The process of disciplining and resolving problems should be done according to the state's laws and policies (Hanlon 1).
4.2 Confidentiality
Secondly, the professional educator is required not to reveal confidential information about students; unless the law states otherwise.
4.3 Ensuring Student Well-being
They should also make constructive effort in protecting students from conditions that are detrimental to their learning, health and safety.
4.4 Providing Objective Information
The professional educator should also endeavor to provide facts about distortion, bias or personal prejudice. Other principles towards practice and performance include responsibility and accountability of an educator to their performance. Participants of the teaching profession are indebted to abide to the ethics' code and the teaching standards as documented in the state laws (Hanlon 1).
V. Conclusion
The paper discusses Alaska's new code of ethics which was advanced from the previous ethical standards. The analysis entails some the key responsibilities of students towards fellow students and also the responsibility of professional educators to their colleagues and their students.
Works Cited
Hanlon, Tegan. Alaska educators’ commission proposes broadening ethics code. (2017). Retrieved From: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2016/12/14/state-educator-commission-proposing-to-broaden-ethics-code/
