The Council for Exceptional Children Ethical Principles

Sample Solution

A law is a rule or regulation that is enforced by the government. An ethical principle is a belief about what is right and wrong. Laws are typically more specific than ethical principles, and they are often enforced with penalties for those who break them. Ethical principles are more general, and they are not always enforceable by law.

Examples of where a special education law and CEC ethical principle overlap

There are many examples of where a special education law and CEC ethical principle overlap. Here are a few examples:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The IDEA is a federal law that guarantees all children with disabilities a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The CEC ethical principle of "Professional Competence" states that special education professionals should maintain a high level of knowledge and skills in order to provide the best possible education for students with disabilities. This principle overlaps with the IDEA in that it requires special education professionals to have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide FAPE to students with disabilities.

Full Answer Section

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including education. The CEC ethical principle of "Nondiscrimination" states that special education professionals should not discriminate against students with disabilities. This principle overlaps with Section 504 in that it prohibits special education professionals from discriminating against students with disabilities in any way.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. The CEC ethical principle of "Full Participation in Society" states that special education professionals should promote the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of society. This principle overlaps with the ADA in that it encourages special education professionals to help students with disabilities participate fully in all aspects of society.

Why is it important to follow both laws and principles?

It is important to follow both laws and principles because they both play a role in ensuring that students with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed. Laws provide a framework for ensuring that students with disabilities are not discriminated against, and principles provide guidance on how to best meet the needs of students with disabilities. By following both laws and principles, special education professionals can create a more equitable and inclusive education system for all students.

Do I see any contradictions between these laws and principles?

No, I do not see any contradictions between these laws and principles. In fact, I believe that they complement each other well. Laws provide the foundation for ensuring that students with disabilities have equal opportunities, and principles provide guidance on how to best meet the needs of students with disabilities. By following both laws and principles, special education professionals can create a more equitable and inclusive education system for all students.

Here is an example of how a law and a CEC ethical principle can complement each other:

The IDEA requires that students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This means that students with disabilities should be educated in the same classrooms as their non-disabled peers, to the extent possible. The CEC ethical principle of "Collaboration and Community" states that special education professionals should work with families, schools, and communities to create a supportive environment for students with disabilities. This principle complements the IDEA by emphasizing the importance of collaboration in creating an LRE for students with disabilities.

By following both the IDEA and the CEC ethical principle of "Collaboration and Community," special education professionals can create an LRE for students with disabilities that is both inclusive and supportive.