Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) - The Code of Ethics Training Video (2018)

The Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators defines the minimum standards of ethical conduct for all educators. The State Board of Education approved the standards on September 1, 2008 and they were last updated at the beginning of the 2018/2019 school year. Arkansas law mandates that everyone with a valid Arkansas teaching license and all educators teaching under an Act 1240 waiver and pre-service teachers are required to abide by the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators. Educational leaders from across the state join Eric R. James from the Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) to explain what it means to be an ethical educator and abide by the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

In this course, Daniel Collier, Technology Projects Coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Education addresses the FERPA basics, explores requirements for the protection of student records for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), explains who may and may not access student records, when those records may be shared, and discusses several of the applicable exceptions to the FERPA requirement for consent.

Professional Licensure Standards Board Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators: Ethical Scenarios in Education (2020)

Arkansas law mandates that everyone with a valid Arkansas teaching license and all educators teaching under an Act 1240 waiver, as well as all pre-service teachers, are required to abide by the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators. In this course, view scenarios based on actual cases that have gone before the Professional Licensure Standards Board ethics subcommittee and learn what standards were violated in each situation, as well as what sanctions were recommended due to the violations.

In this course you will analyze the details of real-life ethics scenarios, determining which standards from the Code of Ethics were violated in each situation.

Sit With Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools

Bullying is a major problem in our society, and it affects the physical, emotional, and academic health of our children and youth. Moreover, the experience of peer mistreatment can leave invisible scars for all involved—the victims, the bystanders, and the bullies themselves. ArkansasIDEAS’ Sit With Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools calls you to join our distinguished panel, including national expert Dr. Charisse Nixon and veteran Arkansas educators, as they explore Arkansas’s Act 1029, an Act to Amend the State Anti-Bullying Policy, and problem-solve simulated scenarios based on in-the-trenches experiences. 

This course meets the requirements of Act 1029 of 2019.

We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships

Delve into real-life examples of safe and nurturing classrooms and schools with 2019 and 2020 Arkansas Teachers of the Year Stacey McAdoo and Joel Lookadoo as they share techniques for helping all kids raise their voices and contribute to their school communities. As you watch, consider how these techniques foster positive classroom culture and build student relationships, and how they incorporate the G.U.I.D.E. for Life principles of developing empathy and improving student interactions.

Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships

In this first of twelve courses on Code of Ethics, host Alyson Courtney sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of professional relationships. Given the advancement in technology and communication, it is more pertinent now than ever for teachers to maintain professional boundaries inside and outside the classroom. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that delve into the potential pitfalls of crossing boundaries with students and will receive guidance from experts to make good decisions in ethical dilemmas.  

Code of Ethics Part Two: Mental Health Awareness

In part two of Code of Ethics, host Alyson Courtney sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of mental health awareness. The stress teachers endure can be burdensome, and educators are not immune to hardships in life. This course aims to address the need for teachers to practice self-care and mental preparation when it comes to educating students. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate what happens when the mental health of educators is neglected and what can be done to promote and practice mental health awareness. 

Code of Ethics Part Three: Social Media

In part three of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of social media. Social media is part of our world, and it can be a very powerful tool when used correctly. This course aims to address the policies that are put into place to protect both students and teachers. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate the impact that social media can have on students, teachers, and school districts and hear discussions on the best practices to uphold when using social media in professional settings.

Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities

In part four of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of professional responsibilities. Because educators are trusted with the safety and quality education of students, certain procedures and licensures are required. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate how professional responsibilities, or the lack thereof, can impact students, teachers, and school districts. In addition, participants will hear discussions on the best practices to uphold as a professional educator.

Code of Ethics Part Five: Reporting Obligations

In part five of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas Educators to discuss the responsibilities of mandatory reporters. Because of the many interactions in a teacher/student dynamic, teachers are one of the first lines of defense in reporting if they see or even hear of something that is a potential danger to a student. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that communicate the importance being diligent in reporting obligations.