R.E.D.D.

(Adapted from the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida and Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida).

 

Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn, to teach, and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student’s potential. Employees will, therefore, strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best judgment and integrity.

 

Concern for the student requires that our professional personnel shall:

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• Make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning and/or to the student’s mental and/or professional health and/or safety.

• Not unreasonably restrain a student from independent action in pursuit of learning.

• Not unreasonably deny a student access to diverse points of view.

• Not distort subject matter relevant to a student’s academic program.

• Not expose a student to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.

• Not intentionally violate or deny a student’s legal rights.

• Not harass or discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapped condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background, and shall make reasonable effort to ensure that each student is protected from harassment or discrimination.

• Not exploit a relationship with a student for personal gain or advantage.

• Keep in confidence personally identifiable information obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves professional purposes or is required by law.

• Be aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct. This commitment requires that our employees:

  • Maintain honesty in all professional dealings

  • Not interfere with a colleagues exercise of political or civil rights and responsibilities

  • Not engage in harassment or discriminatory conduct which unreasonably interferes with an individual’s performance or work responsibilities or with the orderly processes of education or which creates a hostile, intimidating, abusive, offensive, or oppressive environment; and, further, shall make reasonable effort to assure that each individual is protected from such harassment or discrimination.

  • Not make malicious or intentional false statements about a colleague.

 

Training requirements for “All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and administrators are required to complete training on these standards of ethical conduct.”

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Reporting Misconduct by Instructional Personnel and Administrators

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All employees, educational support employees, and administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affect the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to the Principal, Dr. Storm McCullough via s.mccullough@reddlearning.org and/or Director, Ms. Velma Folson via email at v.folson@reddlearning.org.  

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Professional Practices Service 

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Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in Employee’s Handbook, Front Office, and in Code of Ethics Employee Package and or website at: www.reddlearning.org.

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Signs of Physical Abuse

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The child may have unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries; broken bones; or burns.  A child experiencing physical abuse may seem withdrawn or depressed, seem afraid to go home or may run away, shy away from physical contact, be aggressive, or wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries.

 

Signs of Sexual Abuse

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The child may have torn, stained, or bloody underwear, trouble walking or sitting, pain or itching in the genital area, or a sexually transmitted disease. A child experiencing sexual abuse may have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively, fear a particular person, seem withdrawn or depressed, gain or lose weight suddenly, shy away from physical contact, or run away from home.

 

Signs of Neglect

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The child may have unattended medical needs, little or no supervision at home, poor hygiene, or appear underweight. A child experiencing neglect may be frequently tired or hungry, steal food, or appear overly needy for adult attention.

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Patterns of Behavior

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Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.

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Liability Protections

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Any person, official, or institution participating in good faith in any act authorized or required by law, or reporting in good faith any instance of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect to the department of any law enforcement agency, shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability which might otherwise result by reason of such action. (F.S. 39.203).

 

An employer who discloses information about a former or current employee to a prospective employer of the former or current employee is immune from civil liability for such disclosure or its consequences unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that the information disclosed by the former or current employer was knowingly false.  

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