Professional and Ethical Considerations

Those working with students with special needs should consider both ethical and professional issues in order to provide equal, fair and efficient assistance. Confidentiality, rules governing children with disabilities through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and children’s rights and autonomy. The professionals should take part in continuous education, in order to keep the relevance of their practice, and keep up with the changing trends in technology. They should also be ready to work with parents, other professionals and communities, to ensure that learners are adequately supported. Allowing fairness on the students who are disabled must include justice in helping, providing facilities without reducing standards or the outcome, here meeting the assessment tools needs. Therefore professionals must provide service with cultural responsiveness to all clients through analysing and removing their stereotypes or biases in performing the work, and help every student develop in such a way that he or she learns to stand for oneself.

Here’s a list of relevant guidelines and resources for professionals working with students with exceptionalities:

1. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards

   • Link: CEC Professional Ethical Principles & Practice Standards

2. National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)

   • Link: NASET Special Education Resources

3. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

   • Link: NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies

4. High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) in Special Education

   • Link: High-Leverage Practices in Special Education by CEC and CEEDAR Center

5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

   • Link: FERPA Guidelines