ING AND TEXTING By: Genevieve Ebot Willie Gillus and Briana Rhim

ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES Code of Professional Responsibility for Educators Misconduct which would impair his or her ability to serve effectively in the profession. 282 Iowa Administrative Code 26.3(6): “The educator shall not use professional relationships with students for personal advantage.” 282 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 25.3(1) Standard I—conviction of crimes, sexual or other immoral conduct with or toward a student, and child and dependent adult abuse. Violation of this.Student abuse. Licensees shall maintain professional relationships with all students, both inside and outside the classroom. The following acts or behavior constitutes unethical conduct without regard to the existence of a criminal charge or conviction: Committing or soliciting any sexual or otherwise indecent act with a student or any minor; Soliciting, encouraging, or consummating a romantic or otherwise inappropriate relationship with a student.

VIDEOS texting-orange-county-middleschooler-officials-say/ texting-orange-county-middleschooler-officials-say/

SCENARIO Ms. K is a veteran teacher who is very popular with her students. She frequently offers students extra help after school, so it’s not uncommon to see students visiting her classroom after school. She has tutored one of her students, “Melissa,” in a variety of subjects over a two year period. During that time, Ms. K has ed and texted “Melissa’s” cell phone using her personal address. At first, the exchanges were very general; sometimes unrelated to school work (e.g., asking Melissa about a sick family member, or how she was getting along with friends). Recently, the student began to text her teacher about more personal feelings.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN THE CLASSROOM Use of technology is allowed only when it is required for the assignment for contacting group members or research Users are prohibited from engaging in unlawful or unauthorized activity such as hacking computers, computer systems or accounts Cellphone use for the purpose of texting, or other social media is not permitted. No laptops unless you are taking notes for the class Laptops are not for personal use in the classroom No texting during class Incase of an emergency cellphones will be permitted No pictures or videos are to be taking during class Users are prohibited from using another individuals computer account Users may not create or use games to school software Users must respect the privacy of others when using , chartrooms, blogs or other forms of electronic communication NEVER REVEAL PERSONAL PRIVATE INFORMATION

CONSEQUENCE SCHEMA Provide students with control over the outcome Implement consequences consistently Implement consequences respectfully Level 1 –Non compliance, disruption of instruction, overt disrespect, minor destruction of property. Level 1 Consequences Non verbal cue, student conference, verbal warning, parent contact, behavior contract, administration. Level 2 Behavior – Physical aggression, Harassment, Abusive language. Level 2 consequences: Nonverbal cue, restitution, Out of school suspension, contact law enforcement.

SAFE WAYS TO COMMUNICATE WITH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

REFERENCES Horner, R. H., & Sugai, G. (2000). School-wide behavior support: Anemerging initiative. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, 2,231–233. Bronfenbrenner, U. (1977). Toward ecology of human development. American Psychologist, 32, 513–531.