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Friday, May 27, 2016

Testing and Ethics | The Patiently Impatient Teacher

Testing and Ethics | The Patiently Impatient Teacher:

Testing and Ethics



Well folks, testing season is upon us. As I dutifully read hundreds of pages of required testing manuals, I have found something that is very interesting. All NC teachers are bound by the NC Testing Code of Ethics. This Code was enshrined into law by state general statues in 1997 and has not been revised since 2000. The Code clearly states:
Unethical testing practices include, but are not limited to, the following practices: 
(1) encouraging students to be absent the day of testing; 
(2) encouraging students not to do their best because of the purposes of the test; and
(7) not testing all eligible students;
And if educators violate these provisions:
In the event of a violation of this Rule, the SBE may, in accordance with the contested case provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, impose any one or more of the following sanctions: 
(1) withhold ABCs incentive awards from individuals or from all eligible staff in a school;(*note, these bonuses were eliminated years ago)
(2) file a civil action against the person or persons responsible for the violation for copyright infringement or for any other available cause of action; 
(3) seek criminal prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the violation; and
(4) in accordance with the provisions of 16 NCAC 6C .0312, suspend or revoke the professional license of the person or persons responsible for the violation
Most teachers have interpreted these statements to mean that according to state law, Testing and Ethics | The Patiently Impatient Teacher: