Ethical Theories

Chapter 1 of The Ethics of Teaching (Strike & Soltis, 2009/2015) introduces you to the basic ethical concepts and theories. Pay particular attention to the information regarding consequentialist and non-consequentialist ethical theories.

Choose one of the cases from the chapter, or Whose Rights: Students’ or Parents’? from chapter 8. Respond to the following:

• Explain what you would do in the situation presented in the case you select, relying on aspects of consequentialist and/or non-consequentialist ethical theory.
• Indicate the kinds of questions you would consider in making your decision.
• What are some advantages and drawbacks of the ethical theories, especially in light of the case study you chose?
• How does your response impact your employment?

Support your statements with evidence from the required studies and your research. Cite and reference your sources in APA style.

Reference

Strike, K. A., & Soltis, J. F. (2009/2015). The ethics of teaching (5th ed.). New York, NY: Teachers College.

• Introduction

  A human being is not to be handled as a tool but is to be respected and revered.

  — Felix Adler

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  An Overview of Ethical Theory and Education Law

  What is the relationship between law and ethics? Educational policies and law may not always have an obvious connection with ethical values. Yet there are ethical theories, methods for thinking about the relationship between values and appropriate action that give you tools for understanding the relationship better. By learning some fundamental ethical theories, you will have a better understanding of the rationale of education law. You will also be able to begin to offer a critique of law and policy, and perhaps offer suggestions for improvement.Two fundamental theories of ethics are 1) consequentialist and 2) non-consequentialist. The course readings will introduce these theories through explanation and through case study examples, so you will see how these theories are put into action. From these explanations and examples, you will apply your understanding of these theories to evaluate and determine appropriate courses of action.As you complete this week’s required studies, become familiar with important education legislation at the state and federal levels. While the course material considers important federal laws, remember that most educational legislation occurs at the state level, and it is important that you familiarize yourself with particular state laws. As part of this week’s assignment, you will locate state resources for learning about and monitoring the laws of your individual state.(Education Week, 2016) [Closed captioned]There are a few significant federal laws governing education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), more commonly known as the Every Child Succeeds Act (formerly known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). This law has undergone recent modifications and different administrations have emphasized various aspects of the law, so information regarding the ESEA/ESSA laws is in flux. For now, your focus is on locating the resources that will allow you to monitor and stay current regarding the changes as they occur. The Education Week (n.d.) Every Student Succeeds Act topic page regarding ESSA is one of those resources to be aware of, as is the U. S. Department of Education’s website (www.ed.gov/esea). There are many other resources available to you, but these will provide you a solid starting point.

  References

  Education Week. (2016, March 31). ESSA explained: Inside the new federal k-12 law [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/zWQGmU-J80QEducation Week. (n.d.). Every Student Succeeds Act. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/topics/every-student-succeed… With Disabilities Education Act of 1997, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (1997).No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 6301 (2001).

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  Weekly Objectives

  Through participation in the following activities, the candidate will:

  • Review and discuss the levels of acting ethically: as individuals, within organizations and governments, and throughout the society. (9f, 9i, 9m, 10q)
    • Ethical Theories
  • Study and analyze the latest research and professional literature related to law and ethics in educational practice. (9f, 9m, 9o)
    • Ethical Bases of Education Law
  • Analyze current legal standards and their association with contemporary ethical practice. (9f, 9m, 9o)
    • Ethical Bases of Education Law

• Recommended Studies

  These resources are provided to enhance your overall learning experience. For a deeper understanding of the weekly concepts, review these optional resources.Balch, B., Memory, D., & Hofmeister, D. (2008). Teachers and the law: Application essentials, general considerations, and specific examples. Clearing House, 82(1), 5-9. doi: 10.3200/TCHS.82.1.5-10S [PDF]U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/eseaU.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). Building the legacy: IDEA 2004. Retrieved from idea.ed.gov/explore/home