Which action by a special education teacher would be considered unethical?

Assigning a student's para-educator to write progress reports is considered unethical because it represents a conflict of interest and could compromise the objectivity and quality of the reports. Progress reports are critical documents that reflect a student's growth, strengths, and areas needing support. They should be completed by the teacher who has direct knowledge of the student's performance and teaching strategies. By delegating this task to a para-educator, the special education teacher may not ensure accurate and comprehensive reporting, undermining the integrity of the student's educational record and potentially impacting the student's future learning opportunities.

In contrast, meeting a student's parent after school hours is a professional and often necessary action to discuss the student's progress. Engaging in communication with parents is essential for fostering a collaborative environment. Discussing a student’s disability with a general education teacher can also be appropriate, as collaboration among educators helps ensure that all staff have the necessary information to support the student appropriately, as long as it is done respectfully and confidentially. Sharing a student's IEP with a substitute teacher is generally acceptable to ensure the substitute has the information needed to support the student's individual needs during their absence, provided that all confidentiality protocols are followed.